MOVIE REVIEW: 'Girl With The Dragon Tattoo' is a Remake I Can Get Behind

To be honest, I was reluctant to see this movie ever since I heard it was being remade, but I was resigned to it. I knew it was only a matter of time. Hollywood was bound to get around to making their own version of such a worldwide phenomenon sooner or later, especially when you factor in a new audience who may not want to read subtitles at the movies.

My anxiety continued as I got more news. First, the film was going to be set in Sweden, which I found puzzling. The original Swedish films were wonderful, and on top of that, no one could argue that they were, well, genuinely Swedish. Making another set of movies that were set in Sweden — but made by Americans and spoken in English — didn't make sense to me.

Then there was the movie poster featuring the half-naked Rooney Mara as the movie's heroine Lisbeth Salander. It seemed to me to be not only an obvious ploy to generate controversy (which succeeded), but also an attempt to reassure certain moviegoers that just because it was an American remake, you shouldn't expect the stereotypical American squeamishness. The Swedes, I reasoned, didn't need to employ such tactics because they could let the films speak for themselves. They were edgy and cool, with a terrific cast.

But I held out hope. After all, David Fincher had directed such films as Seven and The Social Network. If anyone could give this movie the tone and style needed, it was him. Furthermore, the American cast included such names as Daniel Craig, Christopher Plummer and Robin Wright.

I must say I was pleasantly surprised by how unfounded all my worries were. It would have been incredibly easy for the movie to slide into faux-European pretension and shrillness.

For anyone who somehow isn't aware, the plot revolves around a disgraced journalist who is tasked with finding Harriet Vanger, who disappeared nearly 50 years ago at the age of 16. After he joins forces with a computer hacker named Lisbeth Salander, the pair discover a series of murders that go back decades, all somehow linked to Harriet.

The characters and storyline were appropriately adapted for the screen, while retaining the feel and mood of the book. And the violence and sex were characteristically graphic, yet non-voyeuristic; the movie knew when to pull away without being prudish. Maintaining such a balance is tricky, but clearly it can be done and done well.

The cast, is fantastic with even the supporting actors leaving you wanting more. And Daniel Craig, who plays Mikael Blomkvist, captures his resignation (at the beginning) yet his toughness determination, as well as decency (by some standards anyway) as the movie continues its roller coaster ride.

Of course, the most is expected from Mara herself, and she delivers. She holds her own against the original actress Noomi Rapace, and may even surpass her. She perfectly embodies Lisbeth's asocial tendencies (and firm moral code), ruthlessness, yet also her hidden tenderness.

Interestingly, the film's climax is where it stumbles. While the villain is monstrous, he is also understandable, given his upbringing and environment. But not enough of his past or the full extent of his crimes are revealed. And the central mystery of Harriet Vanger has a slight deviation from the book, which was somewhat disappointing and even a little implausible. However, it accomplishes its very difficult task: standing on its own as a film.

Rating: B+