Meet Mikael (Daniel Craig). He's just emerging from a pot of boiling water. Mikael is an investigative journalist, who has just lost a huge libel case against corporate giant, Wennerstrom. It's a case that has definitely damaged the ole reputation and has put his publication in dire straights. That's one reason Mikael is willing to entertain an interesting offer from another corporate giant, Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer). Along with cash, Mikael will receive insight to Wennerstrom that will, indeed, prove his case and turn things completely around on the libel front. What does he have to do for the dough and the promise of a restored reputation? Good question. He's got to look into a disappearing persons case that happened within the Vanger family some forty years prior.
Mikael accepts and the search for enlightenment begins. He makes some headway as he makes some enemies among the rest of the Vanger clan--all of whom are suspects in the presumed murder. Mikael is on the verge of something, but needs a little help. Enter Lisbeth (Rooney Mara). She's one weird chick, yes, but you gotta love this girl. She's a no-nonsense 23-year old who is a genius at researching people. Sure, all we actually see her do is hit up Google, but we can presume that there is much, much more. After all, she did a thorough research check on Mikael on behalf of the Vangers. With that, he was sold and brings in Lisbeth to help with the search. Yadayadayada Mikael and Lisbeth team up in an effort to slay a few dragons.
It's good...quite good, actually. I'll go with 4.0 Stars here. It's a dark story that spreads out over two and half hours. Yeah, it's long and drags a bit at times, but all things considered, it easily holds your interest. The plot centers around a 40-year old missing persons case, which involves a myriad of different characters. They weave in-and-out of the flick seamlessly, which left me a little lost at times in terms of who was who and the various character's relationship with the missing girl. At times, I needed a double-take as to how exactly they fit in with the investigation. So, get something caffienated at the concessions...come on, it's only $6, right!?! With adrenaline in a cup, you should be good to go.
Acting in this one is great. Rooney played Lisbeth tremendously well. This had to be an incredibly challenging role and she knocked it out, baby. Yes, Lisbeth is all kinds of freaky, but not only do you feel an incredible sense of sympathy toward her, you actually like her. And, Daniel Craig is, well...Daniel Craig. I like him more as an actor with every role--which has nothing to do with me going with the 'Daniel Craig' hairstyle last summer.
The story itself is perhaps the strongest selling point. It is an interesting plot that merges two separate trails of 'happenings', both of which converge to make for a thoroughly interesting 138 minute ride. Give this one a shot and go BIG with it. Then, rent it in April to pick up on anything that slipped by you on the first run!
True...OUT!
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