Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter **½

Timur Bekmambetov directed this Supernatural thriller. Watch Preview. Cast: Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jimmi Simpson, Robin McLeavy, Alan Tudyk, Rufus Sewell. Rated R for violence throughout and brief sexuality. Running time is one hour and forty-five minutes.

 Lincoln's mother is killed by a supernatural creature, which fuels his passion to crush vampires and their slave-owning helpers, resulting in the Civil War.

Alternate reality plots have long been part of the sci-fi genre, and they can be very interesting with the proper mix of history and imagination. This film does a good job of realizing that mix although the vampire element may be too much for some. The cast is fine but it's the production values that really shine. The CGI effects are top notch and are enhanced by some of the best live action 3D I've ever seen. The chase through the herd of stampeding horses for example is quite spectacular. I only wish this had been available in IMAX 3D as the regular 3D verges on being too dark for long spells, partially because of the 3D process itself and partially because so many of the scenes take place at night. Still, if you want to see what can be achieved when you're actually shooting live action 3D, rather than adding it as an afterthought, this is one to watch.

There are no additional scenes once the final credits begin. A larger screen will enhance the action although a smaller screen might be brighter. Your choice. 2D Theatres/Times. 3D Theatres/Times.