Rooney Mara is absolutely terrific in this just about perfect remake. (Columbia Pictures/aceshowbiz.com)
I think I should apologize in advance for this review, as it’s going to sound like praise, praise, and more praise towards what seems to be a perfect piece. I don’t really have any criticisms, at all, for this film. I went into the theater with somewhat high expectations because of who made it, but never did I think it could amount to something this extraordinary. Granted, I haven’t read the book that this is based on, nor have I seen the original Swedish version, but with that said – this one is a cinematic triumph in every way.
It shouldn’t be that surprising at all, looking back, that The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was so incredible based on what director David Fincher has done leading up to it: Se7en, Fight Club, Zodiac, Benjamin Button, and The Social Network just to name a few. The guy, along with Christopher Nolan, is the cream of the crop of young directors working today. And like his previous work, this movie has an incredible pace to it, exhilarating dialogue, terrific editing, and is able to get the absolute best out of its actors.
While Daniel Craig, Christopher Plummer, and Stellan Skarsgard were all terrific in their own right, it was quasi-new comer Rooney Mara that stole the show. The only thing I don’t like about her is that she comes from football royalty – the Giants and Steelers – bleh. Her acting chops are top-notch though, and was entirely convincing, dark, sharp, and really was this character. And give the girl credit, because she showed everything to make it happen.
What this movie did so well was capture and entertain you from start to finish – there was no dull moment, or down time. It’s a thriller, an adventure, and a people story all wrapped into one hell of a finished product, that doesn’t seem like the two and half hour running time when it’s finished. Fincher creates a dark, twisted, but very believable world that you’re entrenched in, and come out amazed from viewing. As an added bonus, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross put together the perfect score to it as well. I guess it’s time I get my hands on the book.
THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO: 
(out of 4)
Filed under: Movie review Tagged: | christopher plummer, daniel craig, david fincher, robin wright, rooney mara, Stellan Skarsgård, Stieg Larsson, the girl with the dragon tattoo
It’s certainly worth seeing if you missed the original. If you saw it, however, there’s no way of unseeing it, and nothing in the new one to top it. Craig and Mara are great here though and Fincher brings so much more to this film like I was expecting too. Good review Aaron. Check out mine when you can.