Lincoln

President Abraham Lincoln has just been re-elected to a second term. As the death toll of the Civil War continues to climb, he faces yet another seemingly impossible challenge, to pass the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

I must admit I was somewhat surprised by this movie. I went in expecting a Braveheart type epic film depicting the life and presidency of the 16th President of the United States and was capriciously presented with something more along the lines of Mr. Smith goes to Washington.

This movie was adapted from the book, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln and covers the last four months of his life.  Having never read the book myself, I assume it is a decent adaptation, however along those lines, the movie may have been more appropriately titled "The 13th Amendment" as it covers more of what was going on in congress than the history and life of 'Honest Abe'.

Nevertheless, the movie was brilliantly cast, superbly acted, and surprisingly comical, showing, how then, as it is now,  it's almost impossible to get congress to agree to anything and the fact that we somehow manage to create new laws is a miracle in and of itself. Also its interesting how perhaps with all the current worries of the media and the need to be "politically correct" congress has taken a step backwards -- the scenes, during sessions in which the congressmen insult each other and call each other names, are particularly funny and delightfully satisfying.

Certain to be nominated for several academy awards, although unexpected and perhaps mistitled, very well done.

**** Oscar Worthy

Rated PG-13 (for violence and language)