'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo'

'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' (R) ***1/2

Writers: Nikolaj Arcel and Rasmus Heisterberg based on novel
Director: Niels Arden Op[lev
Starring: Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Peter Haber

"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" unfolds like a great novel and it is based on a popular series of thrillers written by Stieg Larsson. I have not read the book but based on this movie, fans of his work will probably think that the makers of this movie have perfectly captured the feel of the book. This is a suspenseful and colorful thriller that takes it's time telling it's story like a good novel. It also sets up deep and compelling characters with a lot of detail and emotion just like a novel. The movie has a wonderful and strong female lead character in Lisbeth Salander played very well by Noomi Repace. If you have not read the book the movie is basically a serial killer movie and mystery that will keep you guessing and doesn't have a cheap resolution. Actually the ending is very emotional and kind of powerful because we care about the characters so much. This is not your formula serial killer movie with cheap shocks and tasteless violence. There is violence in the movie and blood but it is not done for cheap effect. There is also some rough and kinky sex in the movie but it is never awkward. The movie's main character is a very punk or goth type woman and as played by Rapace is very multidimensional. Her relationship with the man she is trying to unravel the mystery with grows and gets stronger. This is a movie that will keep you enthralled from first frame to last. It is a wonderful treat and in American hands it could have been false, cheap and tasteless. The fact that it is being remade into an American film is ridiculous. You already have a successful film here and my rule is always never remake a great film. There are two more movies coming this year adapted from other Larsson books and I can't wait to see them. You have a great thriller here that rivals "Silence of the Lambs" and "Zodiac", the two best of it's kind.