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Lincoln - Window

Lincoln, my Review of Spielberg’s Latest Masterpiece

Lincoln - Window

When I heard that Dreamworks movies would be distributed by the Walt Disney Studios, I immediately thought of how terrific it would be if Disney was able to distribute “Lincoln,” the movie Spielberg had been working on since 2001. If you’ve read even the shortest biography of Walt Disney you know that he admired Lincoln as our nation’s finest president. When Walt chose the first human being to be represented by an audio-animatronic, it was Lincoln who would once again wow the masses with his oratory. He has his own attraction at Disneyland and is featured in Walt Disney World’s Hall of Presidents.

Lincoln has not be neglected by films either. Among the many times he’s appeared in the theaters, Henry Fonda played the 16th president in “Young Mr. Lincoln” in a film by John Ford and Raymond Massey played him twice, once in “Abe Lincoln in Illinois” and once in “How the West was Won.” Hal Holbrook, one of my favorite actors, won an emmy for his 1976 portrayal of Lincoln in an acclaimed TV special. (Holbrook reprised the role in the mid 80’s TV mini-series “North & South”).

Holbrook also has a role in Spielberg’s Lincoln, but it’s not the President. That role is filled impressively by Daniel Day-Lewis who took over from Liam Neeson who declared himself too old. Day-Lewis reportedly took a year to become Lincoln as part of his preparation for the role and would periodically text his co-actors in the voice of Lincoln as they prepared for the film. This all pays off when Day-Lewis disappears from the screen and you are watching Honest Abe work his way through these tumultuous moments in history. Day-Lewis’s ability to become the person he is portraying will no doubt earn him another academy award nomination and likely a third gold statue when all the votes are in.

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First Trailer for Lincoln Debuts

Steven Spielberg’s epic movie “Lincoln” focuses on the final few months of the President’s life as he struggles to try and heal a nation turn asunder by civil war. The list of actors who appear in the film is a who’s who of Hollywood: Two-time… Read More »First Trailer for Lincoln Debuts

Lincoln To Debut Trailer in Google+ Hangout

A short teaser trailer from Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” has been released. Its goal is to get the public excited about the debut of the first full length trailer for the movie. The full trailer will be released in a special Google+ Hangout on September 13th… Read More »Lincoln To Debut Trailer in Google+ Hangout

Daniel Day-Lewis is Lincoln, New Poster Released

I’m so impressed with Daniel Day-Lewis as an actor. The man is known for his total transformations into the person he is portraying. As you can see by this newly released movie poster below, and the previous image released, Day-Lewis has done it again with… Read More »Daniel Day-Lewis is Lincoln, New Poster Released

Mr Lincoln finally returns to Disneyland

Since I was one of those who fairly laid into Disneyland for not immediately bringing back Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln at the end of the 50th Anniversary celebration, I’m obligated to report that the park has finally brought the show back. I’ve not seen it myself, but many who have report that the attraction has been returned to its former glory (well, for the most part).

The chief complaint is that the new facial technology brings the audio-animatronic figure too close to the uncanny valley. This new form of hybrid figure has facial movements controlled via electronics and body movements controlled the old fashioned hydrolic way. Apparently Tony Baxter says that all AA’s will be hybrids going forward. Have you see it, let us know what you think in the comments below.

More details on the new show below the jump. Also visit LaughingPlace.com’s coverage of the re-opening.

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The Hall of Presidents Transformed

Update: video of President Obama as he records his lines for the show. “I [name] do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution… Read More »The Hall of Presidents Transformed

Paging Mr. Lincoln, Please Return to Disneyland

lincoln425

Here’s some great news. An updated ‘Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln’ will return to Disneyland later this year. The move comes in conjunction with work to move the Disney Gallery to a new home in the current ‘Bank of Main Street’. If that’s what it takes to get Abe Lincoln back on stage at his rightful place, then so be it.

It will be very nice if Disneyland brings back the Audio-Animatronic Mr. Lincoln during the Bicentennial celebration too. Five years away was just too long. However, there is no date announced for his return, just ‘this year’.

To all of you who sent in letters and comments to Disneyland Guest Relations, thank you.

Update: OC Register quotes Disneyland spokesman who says this will be a significant change from the last version. That version only drew lackluster results from fans of the old show and new audiences alike.

Disneyland’s full press release below the cut:

Previously: Will Obama’s Win Return Lincoln to Opera House, Lincoln’s Bicentennial and still no Lincoln, and Two years later, no Lincoln.

Read More »Paging Mr. Lincoln, Please Return to Disneyland

Abe Lincoln’s Bicentennial and still no Great Moments at Disneyland

Today marks the 200th anniversary of Abe Lincoln’s birth, and sadly the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction at Disneyland remains shuttered after ‘temporarily’ closing for Disneyland’s 50th celebration. If this disturbs you as much as it does me, please write to Disneyland Guest Relations and share your desire to see Honest Abe, an inspiration for Walt Disney and our current President, returned swiftly to his place of honor in the Opera House.

(Previously: Will Lincoln Return to Disneyland?)

Click below the cut for the address to send your letters

Read More »Abe Lincoln’s Bicentennial and still no Great Moments at Disneyland