The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Directed by David Fincher, MGM Studios, 2011.

Starring: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Stellan Skarsgard, Robin Wright, Joely Richardson and Christopher Plummer.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery.

Question: Do you have a tattoo? I do not; however, I am seriously considering getting one now. Yes, I just got back from watching The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

I wasn't planning on seeing this movie because I read a review recently that spoiled it for me. The review did not tell the whole plot but it did tell a significant part that immediately turned me off. However, I am on a vacation, of sorts, and have plenty of time to kill. And this was the first movie showing of the day. Well, let me say I am glad I am on "vacation" because I really liked The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

It started off with an odd opening. I couldn't tell if it wanted to mimic the opening to a James Bond film at first or if some film artist just wanted to show off their mad skills with oil-laden bodies set to Led Zepplin's 'Immigrant Song'.  Personally I wouldn't have chosen that song, even though I now know why it was selected. First, it reminded me of Jack Black singing the song in The School of Rock. Second, the opening, or let's say music video because that is what it felt like, looked more like something that Tool would have created. Okay, enough of that.

Since the story is a mystery I really don't want to divulge any information that could ruin it for you. The movie is based on the widely successful Stieg Larrson's trilogy, which I have not read, nor did I view the Swedish movies which were made a few years back. I can mention how great a character Lisbeth Salander was and what a unique additive to a relatively standard murder mystery tale, but I'll talk more about that later.

The movie was slower than I thought it would be, not that I minded that - at all. The storytelling really had a way of keeping my interest. Plus, it had Daniel Craig in it for 90% of the time. Speaking of Daniel Craig, he plays a journalist who is hired to research a family's history to reveal what may have happened to a specific family member many years prior. Sounds like a typical mystery but this one is set in an idyllic Swedish backdrop where I couldn't take my eyes off all the fantastic Swedish interior design and landscapes. Sidetracked - sorry. Well, what made this tale so fascinating were the characters which I mentioned above already. The background was just a bonus.

Lisbeth Salander, played by Ronney Mara, is a young investigator with her own unique techniques, who ends up working as an assistant to the journalist to help solve the mystery. However, for part of the beginning of the tale you are introduced to her and the life she endures. Not an easy one, I might say, but she portrays a female heroine that is not a typical personification of many lead female roles. She's young, petite, damaged, quiet but brave and smart as a whip. In fact, I think she has more intelligence and bravery in her little pinkie than all than the whole Swedish Army combined. She doesn't rely on anyone; she takes whatever happens to her and focuses on salvation rather than staying a victim or waiting to be rescued; and she is a good friend when it really counts. I can't wait to see the other two films because I want to see what Lisbeth will do in those.

I will give a little hint that there is one really harsh scene in this film that may be too hard for some to watch. There was a very disconcerting and despicable person in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and for those of you with tender demeanors you might want to skip this film (or at least the scene). However, I will say if you can get through the scene there is another, although tough as well, that will show that pixie-sized women can kick some serious butt and prove that karma really is a HUGE bitch. Thank god!

All-in-all The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a fantastic film that kept me focused tightly on the story and enjoyed the introduction of Lisbeth Salander. I will say it again, I can't wait to see more of her and where her path takes her. Rarely does a specific character do that for me but this one did.

My favorite thing: The petite girls can take care of themselves!

My least favorite thing: Yes, the one scene I mentioned above. It was hard to watch.

Rating: R
Length:158 minutes

Rating: 8 out of 10

 Click on film posters below to watch American version instantly:
   

Click on film poster below to watch Original version instantly:


The Book Trilogy:
 

Funny Games

Directed (and written) by Michael Haneke, Celluloid Dreams, 2008.

Starring: Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, Brady Corbet and Michael Pitt.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Question: Do you like it when a story is told in a unique and brilliant manner? Of course you do. How about when the story is about two young males who like to play mind games, torture and....oh wait, almost gave a little too much away. Well, I just finished watching Funny Games (the American version) and feeling a little guilty for liking this film.

I have to remain vague in this review. As you can see Funny Games is a thriller and a really good one. Trust me, you think you will know how the story ends, because of the fact that this movie takes storytelling to a whole new level. And as a storyteller myself, especially about movies, I loved how this movie ended up playing its own mind games. Unfortunately, I felt a little sick to my stomach during and after watching Funny Games. Again, I can't say why.

Let's see, what can I tell you all about this film? First, it was remake of an 1997 Austrian film of the same name. Second, the director/writer Michael Haneke, directed both films - shot-for-shot. Although the actors used in each film were cast differently. Third, it is a very sadistic story...okay, did I just lose you all with that point?

Okay, here's the gist (somewhat): a well-to-do family drive to their summer home on Long Island for a relaxing weekend. They stop to say hello to some neighbors, who behave strangely but they continue on to their home all ready to start their vacation - golfing and boating. Their dog runs around gleefully saying hello to the mother, father and son. They unpack and prepare for the weekend; a neighbor stops by with a white-gloved "friend" and help put their boat in the water. This "friend" ends up staying and another white-gloved "friend" shows up asking to borrow 4 eggs for a neighbor.

From this point everything just starts to go wrong. So, so wrong. I mentioned something about torture and that is what the rest of the story is about. These two young men (white-gloved "friends"), who revel in the enjoyment of causing pain and suffering (mental and physical) to others, may end up being the most evil characters I have witnessed on screen in a long time. Actually Michael Pitt, one of the young fellows, is definitely the scariest characters ever and almost gave me nightmares with the final shot of the movie.

Now all this talk may not make you want you to run out and rent Funny Games; however, the method the director used to tell this story was nothing short of brilliant. It will make you feel sick to your stomach, although a lot of the violence is not really on screen. And some typical tricks with thrillers that you expect aren't used (sort of) and you almost end up begging for those tricks that usually end up making the story typical. See, mind games.

That's it - I can't say anymore.

My favorite part: The remote control, but then again, it should be my least favorite part. You'll see why.

Rating: R
Length: 111 minutes

Review: 7 out of 10

Click on film posters below to see American and Foreign version of Funny Games:
 

The Next Three Days

Directed (and written) by Paul Haggis, Lionsgate, 2010. Starring Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks, Liam Neeson, Daniel Stern and Brian Dennehy.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance

Question: What would you do for the person you loved if they were in trouble?  To what length would you go to rescue them?

This morning I decided to watch my favorite kind of movie - a thriller. I know what it says above but this was a thriller through-and-through. The Next Three Days was sitting in my Netflix Instant Play queue for a while now and something made me choose this today. Russell Crowe stars in this film and Paul Haggis wrote and directed The Next Three Days. I think they both have made a decent movie or two before, right? Oh, I know - they are a couple of the best in their field and that is why I chose it.

Russell Crowe plays John Brennan, a devoted husband and father, whose wife is convicted and sent to prison for murdering her boss. The movie is not about proving her innocence or guilt or another elaborate courtroom drama. This film takes place after her appeals have been exhausted and the husband can no longer take that his wife, the mother of his child, will be in prison for the rest of her life. So he realizes he must do something to help her. No more of the story - you should know by now I don't like to divulge too much information especially when it is this type of story.

I will admit I wasn't expecting to like The Next Three Days and I really can't say why. It was just a hunch. Well, my hunch was wrong. From the first few minutes to the last heart-pounding thirty minutes this story kept me on the edge of my seat. I hate to use that expression because I really wasn't on the edge of my seat, but I did feel anxious and intrigued with the story. There were a couple of overly-dramatic details but I'll let it slide.

Russell Crowe really is a phenomenal actor and proved yet again he can take on any role. The love he had for his wife, the extreme desire to help and the overwhelming fear he held was front and center with his performance. Elizabeth Banks played his wife and, although I usually see her in comedic roles, she did a decent job in The Next Three Days.

One thing I found odd in this film was the lack or how little certain actors were used: Liam Neeson, Brian Dennehy and Daniel Stern. A couple of the them were only in one scene while one had very little dialogue. It was perplexing to see why these veteran actors were used so little but it wasn't my movie to cast. Just a detail to point out in The Next Three Days

I apologize for the short review but I hate to spoil stories and feel if I say more I will. Enjoy the movie.

My favorite thing: That I really was unsure of what the truth was regarding the murder.

My least favorite: One scene (over-dramatic) that brought the story out of credibility for a moment or two.

Rating: PG-13
Length: 122 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

Click on film poster below to watch instantly:
 

Preview: Into the Abyss

Since I watched and reviewed a documentary this week I sort of had documentaries on the brain. Just stumbled upon this one: Into the Abyss. I started watching this trailer and got chills. Not sure if this will be an easy watch for me and others but it looks like it is worth viewing. By Werner Herzog.