Lincoln

Audiences flocked to see Skyfall this weekend, helping the new chapter of James Bond easily top the box office with a total of $87.8 million, and it broke the record for the biggest opening in the Bond franchise. Last week's No. 1, Wreck-It Ralph, came in behind the spy flick with $33.1 million. It was followed by Flight, with $15.1 million, and Argo, with $6.7 million. Taken 2 rounded out the top five, earning $4 million. The weekend's other big release, Lincoln, earned $900,000 in limited release.

Note to the Academy: the race is on. Steven Spielberg's Lincoln is a richly explored slice of history with an immensely talented lead actor playing one of our nation's most lauded presidents and a fantastic supporting cast. The film centers on a crucial period during the Civil War; Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis) has been reelected, the North and South have been at brutal odds for four years, and there seems to be no chance for peace in sight. The president is striving to add an amendment to the Constitution to emancipate slaves, believing it to be the quickest way, aside from an impossible peace treaty, to end the bloodshed. The historical film isn't without dry moments, and the pace can be meandering, but nothing can detract from Day-Lewis's commanding performance.

Day-Lewis is one of Hollywood's greatest actors, and his portrayal of the 16th president continues his streak of inspired performances. He breathes life into Lincoln, transforming himself into the thin yet physically domineering man, and exploring his quirks and oddities — such as his unabashed penchant for poorly timed anecdotes and long-winded metaphors. Day-Lewis's lumbering Honest Abe is just that; he's transparent in his motives when dealing with his cabinet as well as his wife (Sally Field), who, much to his exasperation, is still grappling with the death of one of their sons. Though it's a tale of politics, Lincoln is at its best when focusing on the president's role as the head of a fractured family. Find out what else I thought about Lincoln after the jump.

There's a poignant new trailer for Lincoln, and while the first preview provides context for the historical drama, this one gives a more extensive look at Daniel Day-Lewis as our 16th president. It also aims to evoke some emotions, flashing images of modern-day Washington DC, the Tribute in Light for the World Trade Center, Martin Luther King Jr., and other famous civil rights leaders from American history.

After seeing Day-Lewis's speeches as Lincoln here, I'm more excited than ever to see his full transformation into Honest Abe. I also appreciate the snippet of personal drama we see between him and his wife, played by Sally Field, though I'm hoping to see more of Joseph Gordon-Levitt as their son as we get closer to the release date. The movie hits theaters Nov. 16, and you can watch the trailer when you read more.

Daniel Day-Lewis is a masterful, always-impressive actor, and after watching the first trailer for Lincoln, it looks as though he may top himself. In Steven Spielberg's historical drama, Day-Lewis portrays Abraham Lincoln in the final months of his life as president prior to his assassination. Supporting him in the film are Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as his son Robert Todd, Tommy Lee Jones, and more. The trailer starts off by showing Lincoln interacting with other politicians and the kind of pressure he was under, and even though we don't even hear Day-Lewis speak in character until almost a minute in, the actor's emotions and expressions are enough to give you goosebumps.

There have been many portrayals of Lincoln on screen, but I don't think we've seen a film with such an impressive team. Aside from Day-Lewis's performance, having Spielberg at the helm has me sure that this movie is going to be fantastic — and an award-generator. Lincoln will be released on Nov. 16, but you can watch the trailer now after the break.

We've already gotten a look at Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln for Steven Spielberg's presidential flick, and now we have a peek at Lincoln's one-sheet. Like the first look, this is another profile shot, but this one is a black and white close-up, meaning it's superserious. With all that hair and makeup, Day-Lewis looks strikingly like the 16th president, but I'm curious to see how he'll alter his voice and behavior to depict Lincoln. Also, here's to hoping we can get some pictures of Day-Lewis's costars, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tommy Lee Jones, and Lee Pace soon!

Check out the full-size poster when you read more.