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Created Dec 02, 2012 07:29PM PST • Edited Dec 02, 2012 07:29PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Great 4.0

   What an outstanding showcase of Daniel Day Lewis’ acting talent, and a unique view of Lincoln that only Spielberg could conceive of. Ok, it was a bit long, and for my taste of action and adventure, Lincoln surely carried along with it a big risk of putting me to sleep. Instead I found myself mostly enthralled by the heady and often humorous dialog, and completely caught up in the politics of the 13th amendment. Lincoln was an amazing man, and this Spielberg rendition comes closest so far to bringing his greatness to the modern masses.

4. Acting

   Really Great 4.5

   The entire cast was commendable, and there are too many to mention, but the notables in my book:

   Daniel Day Lewis – Is there any other actor that can “become” his subject so completely? I don’t think so.

   Sally Field – With her complete flair for Drama, I’m told she also fit the part of Mary Lincoln quite well.

   Tommy Lee Jones – Wonderful rendition of the crotchety yet visionary Thaddeus Stevens

   David Strathairn – Very adept at the wound up William Seward

   Bruce McGill – One of my favorites as the the irreverent Edwin Stanton

   Joseph Gordon-Levitt – a smaller role as the son Robert Lincoln – but admirably dramatic

   Hal Holbrook – ever the dynamic professional as Preston Blair

   Gloria Reuben – Stoic but strongly present as attendant Elizabeth Keckley

5. Male Stars Really Great 4.5

6. Female Stars Really Great 4.5

7. Female Costars Really Great 4.5

8. Male Costars Really Great 4.5

10. Film

    Great 4.0

11. Direction Great 4.0

12. Play Great 4.0

13. Music Great 4.0

14. Visuals Great 4.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.5

17. Sex Innocent 1.5

18. Violence Gentle 1.5

19. Rudeness Polite 1.5

21. Reality

    Glib 1.1

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.1

23. Biological Glib 1.1

24. Physical Glib 1.1