Not to get too tangential on this story, but I loved "Team of Rivals".  Unfortunately, I'm already seeing problems.  First, the script is being done by Tony Kushner.  He doesn't impress me as a screenwriter.  While his work on "Munich" is debatable (I don't care for the film but I know lots of people who think it's the goods), I found "Angels in America" a painful experience that found new and amazing ways to be heavy handed and soulless.

The other problem is the casting of Liam Neeson as Abraham Lincoln.  Not to be too jingoistic about it, but can't we have an American play Lincoln?  Is that too much to ask?  Neeson's a fine actor and he bares a similar resemblance to the Railsplitter, but it just makes me a little sad that there won't be an American playing our country's greatest President.

To tell Variety to at least read the cover of a book, click here: