Bluray/DVD Movie Review with no rants!

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)

The American version of the hit and critically acclaimed Swedish film based on the best selling novel of the same name, this film directed by David Fincher, (Fight Club, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Se7en), and adapted by Steven Zaillian (Schindler's List and Moneyball)

This English-language adaptation of the Swedish novel by Stieg Larsson follows a disgraced journalist, Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig), as he investigates the disappearance of a wealthy patriarch's niece from 40 years ago. He is aided by the pierced, tattooed, punk computer hacker named Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara). As they work together in the investigation, Blomkvist and Salander uncover immense corruption beyond anything they have ever imagined.

First, let me say that I am a huge fan of the novels and the Swedish films staring Michael Nyqvist (Blomkvist) and Noomi Rapace (Salander) and I honestly didn't think that anyone but Rapace could play Salander. Let me tell you that I was wrong.

The film follows Stieg Larsson's book more closely than the Swedish film and I appreciated that. There is more detail into the life of Lisbeth and Mikael, there lives before they met, relationships, work, etc. I felt like I got to know the characters better in Fincher's film than in the Swedish film.

I'm not saying that Rapace wasn't a revelation in all three films and doesn't deserve the praise she is still getting from her performance, but I think I liked Mara's Lisbeth more. It's a very shocking thing to admit because I honestly have never seen such a performance than Rapace's in the Millennium Trilogy, until Mara's.

Mara's 'take' on Salander is riveting, she all but vibrates with rage. The rape scene isn't as violent as was in the Swedish film and for that, I'm grateful, although if you have read the book, you know just how awful it was. She is strong, yet weak, hideously ugly, yet beautiful, small yet strong and I love her.

Lisbeth Salander is one of the greatest characters in literature/film history. Disagree? Read and watch!

Daniel Craig is a more sexy Blomkvist than Nyqvist and it's a good thing because in the books, Blomkvist is sort of a horndog who has women throw themselves at him. I couldn't see that with the Swedish film, but oh yes, I can in the US film.

All in all, both versions are amazing, well acted and directed. If you are a fan of film and want to witness amazing acting, watch both. You will not be sorry.

Take a look at the trailers for BOTH films

 

The Swedish Film

 

 

The American Film

*Look for more movie reviews to come*

I am a movie fan. I love film! I'm picky. I don't care for 'gang films' or 'art house films' but as a rule, I'm a film nut.

I've seen tons of movies. After the AFI (the American Film Institute) issued there 100 Greatest Films list, I started finding all the films on that list and watch them. Let me stress that I don't agree with the choices often.  "Midnight Cowboy" was horrid. I hated it. I thought the story was lousy, the acting worse and the whole idea in general a bad one. The AFI doesn't agree, but that is the way I feel.

Cult films are another type I usually enjoy. I love "Rocky Horror Picture Show" and think it's great fun. I love "Memento" due to it's unusual storytelling technique and ideas. It's well acted and well constructed. As for some other famous cult films, I'm still on the fence. Some I'll try to watch again just to see if I'm missing something the first time around. I'm usually willing to give a film a chance. One I will not see again is the John Waters (who, in general, I often like), film, "Pink Flamingos". It's so disgusting that I couldn't finish it. I had to shower after I attempted to watch it. I am very hard to offend, but this film totally offended me. I can't go into specifics, but let's just say that there is some violations of a chicken, eating poop and some other things that I can't/won't list. Yes, it is that bad.

Do I look down at someone for loving a certain film or type of film? No. To each his/her own, but I get  often made fun of and talked to like I'm an idiot over what films I love. Why? I don't know. Some people love kid-friendly films, others only love horror, some love romances and nothing else.I love all sorts of odd movies, little-seen hidden gems, commerical bombs and blockbuster hits. I love all sorts of films. I'll talk with you about films and film trivia all day. Just do not ever tell me or anyone else what you love is stupid or not worth watching.

My Favorite Films of All Time (as of 11-27-11)

The Wizard of Oz

Titanic

The Women (1939)

Something's Gotta Give

Gone With The Wind

The Sound of Music

The Bridges of Madison County

Like Water For Chocolate

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

Twilight

New Moon

Eclipse

Walk The Line

Coal Miner's Daughter

The Godfather

The Godfather Part Two

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (Swedish Film)

The Girl Who Played With Fire (Swedish Film)

The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest (Swedish Film)

The Exorcist

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

It's a Wonderful Life

Silence of the Lambs

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Avatar

Sex and the City

To Kill a Mockingbird

Suddenly, Last Summer



I am sure I have more, but those are some that spring to mind when I think of films I love.  In the comment section below, feel free to list your favorites.

Why is being a Twi-Hard such a bad thing?

I'm a grown woman, a mom and a wife. I've read tons and tons of books that I love, watched even more movies and have varied interests. I found these books several years ago about teen angst and vampires. I love vampires, love angst and love love stories, so  I was drawn in. I read the first one, immediately had to read the others and I've been a fan ever since.

When I became a Twi-hard, I joined millions and millions of other fans, many are like me, older and totally in love with the saga.

Why is it so hard to be a Twilight fan? Why do we have to hear all sorts of grief when we say something positive about the books or films? Why? Most likely because they don't 'get' it. They don't get the magic, the romance, the angst of it all. 

I just saw the film, "Breaking Dawn Part 1" and I have to say, it's the best of the series so far and what happens when I say that? I get grief, that's what. 

Let me enjoy my fun and shut up if you don't like it. Damn.

Breaking Dawn, Kim K, and more

Yes, I am 'one of those Twilight People' and I'm proud of it. I'm going to be one of the many that flock as soon as possible to the movie to see Breaking Dawn Part 1. I'll buy it when it comes out on BluRay and I'll get all items I am able to relating to it. Yes, I'm 'one of those Twilight people'.

Kim Kardashian....where do I begin? I'm a newbie when it comes to their reality show, only just recently giving in and watching it and getting hooked, but what the hell is this crap? I like Bruce, Kris (the mom) and that's about it. Why do I watch this show? I don't know. Why do I care about the wedding and the divorce (not a shocker, btw), why? Don't ask me. I don't know.

Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed FINALLY got married. I cried like a baby while watching their wedding and the shows that were shown this season. I just love them. I do. They are a cute, wealthy, famous, but REAL family and I can't imagine not watching that show. My kids watch it, my Mom watches it, my Husband watches it. We are all hooked. Can't wait to see what is in store for them next season. I hope it's happiness.

Am I the only one that thinks that not only should Michael Jackson's doctor get prison time, but all of his plastic surgeons should too? Rest in peace, King of Pop.

Is anyone else hooked on Storage Wars? I love this show. We will watch it all day if it was on. It's habit forming.

Parnanormal Activity 3

I'm a fan. I loved the first two films and I can't wait to see this one. Check out the trailer...

Official Paranormal Activity 3 Trailer

True Blood

Who saw True Blood's season finale last night? You did? Good! OMG, was that a wild show last night or what? WOW is just about all I can say.

I knew what happened with Debbie was going to (spoiler alert!) mainly because it happened in the books. But, what the hell with Tara? OMG!!! OMG!!! I am not really sure if I'll make it 10 months or more for the new season.

While I'm complaining on having to wait so long, let me ask this: why DO we have to wait so long? WHY? It is like we get 10 shows once a year (I know it has to be more than that, but I am trying to prove a point here). Come on, TB, help us out! Move it a little!

Now, I have to get on Amazon.com to pre order this season's DVD set.

If you haven't watched the show, do it. What are you waiting for? Start watching and then we can talk.

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