February 12th marked the 203rd anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth and, while his birthday is recognized with every passing of the calendar, 2012 marks an historic year in the legacy of the Great Emancipator. This year, we have not one but two films dedicated to our tallest president, each adding to the already long list of silver screen depictions of Honest Abe, but each doing so in two very different ways

For those unfamiliar with what I’ll call the first of these two films, Lincoln is a dramatic retelling of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency that focuses on how he handled the nation during the tumultuous years of the Civil War. The film stars Daniel Day Lewis, an actor who many (myself included) consider to be one of the most talented actors working in Hollywood, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, a young star who, despite his days on Third Rock from the Sun, has blossomed into one of the most gifted actors of his generation.

Oh, and by the way, the film is also directed by some guy named Steven Spielberg and features a supporting cast of Tommy Lee Jones, James Spader, Sally Field and Jared Harris. Yes, you read that right. That’s the supporting cast.

Let’s just give them the Oscars now and get it over with.

The second film also features Abraham Lincoln as its main protagonist, but that’s where the similarities end. Instead of an Oscar-bound drama, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is horror/thriller that pits the sixteenth President of the United States against a horde of blood-thirsty vampires hell-bent on taking over the U.S. of A.

Wait, what?

Even though ALVH doesn’t feature any big Hollywood names and probably isn’t going to be receiving any Oscar nods, it sure sounds like a hell of a lot of fun. I’m as burned out on the whole vampire craze as the next perdon (probably more so), but that’s what makes the “Hunter” portion of the title so appealing. Plus, I’m a sucker for classic stories told with a paranormal twist (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies anyone?)

Personally, I’m torn between these two films. I just can’t decide which film I’m more excited for. I know I don’t need to pick a favorite, but each film represents one half of my movie-going whole, making the desire to pick a side even more irresistible.

My film studies student/movie snob half can’t wait to see Daniel Day Lewis as Lincoln and this photo of the actor did nothing to subdue my excitement.

The nerd/popcorn muncher in me, however, wants nothing more than to see Honest Abe staring down a legion of undead with nothing but a wooden stake and a jar of holy water.

In the end, I probably won’t be able to pick a favorite but, come each film’s opening weekend, you’re sure to find me with a ticket stub in hand, eagerly waiting to take my seat.

What do you think Studio 602ers? Which Abraham Lincoln film are you more excited about? Sound off in the comments section below!

Photo by dbking.