"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" (4 stars out of 5)
"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” adapted from the best-selling book by Swedish author Stieg Larsson, came to theaters this holiday season.
Despite the fact the Swedes adapted the book into a movie in 2009, director David Fincher decided to re-imagine the series for an American audience.
Daniel Craig stars as Mikael Blomkvist, the down-and-out publisher and part-owner of a Swedish magazine, “Millennium.” Because of libel charges, his career seems to be over until a wealthy business tycoon hires him to solve a 50-year-old mystery.
Lisbeth Salander, a young and reclusive computer hacker played by Rooney Mara, also becomes involved in the investigation. She is the standout in this movie, completely delving into the character of Salander.
Compared to the book, “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” sticks close to the narrative. For time’s sake, some aspects of the story are changed or shortened, but for the most part, fans of the book series will be satisfied.
Fincher’s “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” is more cinematic than the Swedish film. It’s obvious that the American version was made on a larger budget. Even so, the Swedish movie is still an excellent adaptation of the book.
My verdict is that the American version is just as good as the Swedish one. The Swedish version has more fitting actors — Michael Nyqvist who plays Blomkvist, in particular — but the American version has better aesthetics.
For those who have never seen the Swedish movie or read the book, “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” is still worth watching. Although it’s lengthy, the plot is complex and compelling, never leaving audiences disappointed.
"Young Adult" (3 stars out of 5)
For those who enjoyed “Juno’s” (2009) snarky dialogue and indie atmosphere, “Young Adult” (2011) is the movie to see.
Screenwriter Diablo Cody wrote both “Juno” and “Young Adult.” She claimed that she wrote “Young Adult” because someone told her that she only wrote about teenagers. What sprang from this observation is a movie about a grown woman who is still stuck in her high school days.
Charlize Theron plays the main character, Mavis Gary, a 37-year-old unlikable, self-absorbed high school prom queen. Gary has absolutely no redeeming qualities. Theron is perfect for the part. With a track record of playing both likeable and cringe-worthy characters, Theron has demonstrated that she is an extremely talented actress. While Gary is detestable, Theron dives into the part, making “Young Adult” a success.
Those looking for a comedy may be surprised and even disappointed by “Young Adult,” but those going into the movie with an open mind may be pleasantly surprised. At times, the plot is thin, but Theron and other cast members compensate for this with their acting, making “Young Adult” an interesting character study.
A version of this article appeared in the Jan 17 issue of the Collegiate Times.
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