“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is a dark and violent film. It does precisely what a suspense movie should do: It keeps you riveted, start to finish.

Protaganist Mikael Blomkivist (Daniel Craig) is a journalist investigating a missing persons case that has been cold for forty long years. He has an impossible task in front of him but is more or less forced to take on the quest.

The leading actress, Rooney Mara, plays the majestic Lisbeth Salender. Mara is no stranger to the big screen, having been in “The Social Network,” “Youth in Revolt” and “Friends with Benefits.” Between this experience and an ample supply of raw talent, she gives a phenomenal performance that has thus far earned her an Oscar nomination.

With intrigue, drama and passion, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is sure to raise your heart rate and maybe even your eyebrows. Clocking in at 158 minutes, it grips you from minute one and does not let you go for a second. This is the sort of story that you may find yourself believing, with flawless acting and aseamless directing.

A critical favorite, and slated to make an appearance at the Oscars, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is truly the best new movie I have seen all year.

By Archive