Abraham Lioncoln vs. Zombies

Let me begin this review with a little background information so you'll know where I'm coming from. A company called Asylum Films has been producing direct-to-video films for years now, often releasing titles with names very similar to new theatrical releases. The most famous, or infamous example may be Asylum's Transmorphers, which debuted on video about the same time as the theatrical release of Transformers.

Naturally, purists cry foul when the company releases movies using this business model, but it's important to remember it is just that: a business model. Movies are made for one purpose, and one purpose alone: to turn a profit. If audiences are entertained by it, then it is not only profitable, but enjoyable. I can't fault Asylum for creating movies that resemble big-budget movies, especially since I've watched a few Asylum films. Today's review is for Abraham Lincoln vs. Zombies, which at first glance brings to mind the upcoming Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.

It's easy to take pot-shots at Asylum for creating this, but let's be fair and point out a couple of things: One, AH:VH hasn't actually debuted yet, so it's impossible to compare it to ABVZ. Two, the former enjoys a reported budged of $70 million, while this movie was made for $150,000. The barometer for a film's entertainment value is not budget. For example, Michael Bay's Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon is easily one of the worst, if not the worst movie ever made, though it cost like, Infinity Dollars. I'm not embarrassed to say Transmorphers was a better movie, though that's like saying a route canal is superior to an anal probe, but I'm getting off track.

Let's talk Abraham Lincoln vs. Zombies.

Was the much-less-expensive AHVZ entertaining? YES. I am happy to report that I am an unabashed fan of this film. I'm not bothered by the similarities in concept between this and that other Abraham Lincoln movie coming out this year. Besides, I've read the book that one is based on, and the story is not the same.

What the director Richard Schenkman did with a much smaller budget is pretty amazing. He and the special effects crew put enough spit and shine on this movie to make it look like a much more expensive film. The cast is large, comprising of the titular Lincoln, 12 Secret Service agents, a love interest, Confederate soldiers, Union soldiers, and hordes and hordes of zombies.

Top marks go to Bill Oberst Jr, who plays the title character. As Lincoln, he embodies a wise, compassionate, and level-headed leader. I appreciate his approach to playing Lincoln the way he did in this project. With the subject matter, it would be easy to see an actor play it way over-the-top, almost falling into parody-land. However, you could have removed zombies from this story and presented a period drama, and Oberst would be equally at home and just as effective. He shows restraint, remorse, and just enough zeal without going into smarmy territory.

Fans of history will spot several references which would later be worked into actual Lincoln quotes, which I won't divulge here. This part of the script by Karl Hirsch is perhaps the only thing that bugged me from time to time. He felt the need to fill the story with so many nudge-and-wink moments, that at times it felt a little forced, such as when Lincoln warns a young Teddy Roosevelt that when near zombies, "walk softly...and carry this big stick".

I'm not a history buff, but Oberst's portrayal does make me want to know more about the real Lincoln. There are at least two more Lincoln movies coming out this year, but I can't see one being more compelling than this presentation. I have to confess, the delivery of the Gettysburg Address toward the end had me misty-eyed.

Having said all that, do not fret, monster movie fans-this is foremost a zombie movie. There is plenty of mayhem to be seen here. Zombie attacks are numerous and bloody. The scenes are tense and at times genuinely scary. This version of zombie lore has a rule that I am haven't seen before. The zombies presented here are at times in a state of "sleep". In this state of suspended animation, they just stand around in a daze, unaware of people slipping by if they are quiet enough. You might think this renders them less scary, but it does set up some nerve-racking moments as our group of heroes try to sneak past large groups of sleeping zombies.

Lincoln's weapon of choice is a folding scythe which opens up kind of like a switch-blade. When folded up, he is able to hide it in his coat. When needed, he slings it out and goes to town on his undead quarry. Guns are effective against the zombies as well, but the gunfire noise attracts more zombies. Consequently, the best way to deal with them is hand-to-hand, which makes for a much more exciting movie anyway.

As I said before, there are real historical figures in this movie, including Roosevelt, General "Stonewall" Jackson, and even Pat Garret, all of which play a significant role. The appearances are not mere cameos, however. All play an important role, culminating in a final act that I won't give away here. Suffice to say it is well-written and unpredictable.

Abraham Lincoln vs. Zombies is available on Netflix, and in Redbox Rental kiosks as of this writing. Fans of B-Movies, Survival Horror, and zombie flicks will have a rollicking good time. I highly recommend this movie. 4 out of 4.

Didja Know?

Bill Oberst, Jr. just may not be the highest-paid actor in the United States, but he may be the most prolific. At the time of this writing, he has at least 18 projects including two short films in 2012 alone.