Though well-done and well-acted, this loose adaptation of the James Swanson book of the same name suffers from over length, forced drama, hyperinflation of Edwin Stanton's* role, and too much departure from facts established by Swanson to be useful as history. Still, Tobias Menzies* is a treat as always, Anthony Boyle and Will Harrison resonate as the doomed assassins of Abraham Lincoln, and Roger Payano delivers a brief but telling performance as John Wilkes Booth's hard-head guide. Fans of period pieces should enjoy Manhunt.
* The real-life Stanton had a chest-length beard; the Stanton of Manhunt is oddly clean-shaven.
* The real-life Stanton had a chest-length beard; the Stanton of Manhunt is oddly clean-shaven.