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David Mumpower: Edwin, I'm interested in your comments in that my main criticism of the movie is that it takes the story of Abe Lincoln far too seriously. You say that the film makers committed to the idea and that you enjoyed it. My thought during the movie, somewhat reinforced now, is that the story is more engaging to non-Americans in that the whole thing felt like a particularly indulgent History Channel alternate reality episode of Biography. The moment I recognized that the film would explore the entire life of Lincoln rather than that of him as a young hunter is when I turned on it, partially because the pacing was glacial. The other part is that I know the story so well that covering that ground feels like seventh grade Civics rather than gothic action. The frustrating part is that I believe The West Wing meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a money concept. This movie is a worst case scenario for that premise in my estimation.

Matthew Huntley: I think one of the core problems related to AL: VH's lackluster opening was its title. Any time the trailer played and the title was revealed, audiences simply laughed it off and probably forgot about it seconds later. It's a silly name, sure, but it's also non-descript, so it didn't really pique anyone's curiosity. Plus, people didn't know whether to view it as a satire or a serious action movie adapted from a graphic novel. In the end, the movie was more serious than goofy, but the plot never really gives us a reason to get behind it (or the characters). I guarantee poor word-of-mouth started on Friday and was already swaying people not to see it on Saturday or Sunday (I know, because my co-workers were bashing it after seeing a midnight showing Thursday night). This will be just another movie people may catch down the road but won't really remember, kind of like last year's Priest. The worlds of these movies are interesting, but the stories don't do anything interesting with them.

By the way, did anyone else who saw Abraham Lincoln find the sound effects to be especially loud?

Max Braden: You know what would have sold this movie better? If Hugh Jackman has starred in it. That would have automatically lumped it into mindless quality fare like Van Helsing, but it would have sold more tickets. It's amazing that in publishing, anything with the name Lincoln on it turns to gold, but in movies, mid-19th century subject matter is a damper on box office success. It could be too that my impression of Lincoln is a slow-moving, sonorous orator, not an action hero. I get that the mashup is part of the point, but I just don't buy it. Now Teddy Roosevelt, there's a president I could see kicking some vampire ass.

Jason Barney: I have not seen this one, yet. I will, though. I am a history buff, and want to see the world they have created. I am not familiar with the book at all, and don't want to spend the time reading it. I am not really a vampire fan. True Blood is very annoying at times, never watched Buffy. Only saw one of the Twilight films. I am presenting all of these facts, because maybe it gives some mindset into those few people who will go and see this one. I want to see the creativity they have put into the time period.

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