Before Hollywood (probably) ruins Stieg Larsson’s best-selling “Millennium Trilogy,” the Swedish film series is worth checking out, if only for the breakout performance by Noomi Rapace as fiery computer hacker Lisbeth Salander.
The first film, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is one of the year’s best; a taut, disturbing thriller that only teased the deep, dark issues living under Lisbeth’s steel-lined skin. That film is available on DVD and Netflix Instant Viewing.
The sequel, “The Girl Who Played with Fire” is currently playing in select theaters around the country. When Lisbeth (sporting a much more attractive hair style) is implicated in a series of murders, old ally and renowned journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) works to uncover the real culprit. The mystery leads to many dark secrets from Lisbeth’s past, as well as encounters with some of the world’s scummiest men. Lisbeth doesn’t tolerate scummy men.
Rapace and Nyqvist give strong performances, but the movie slogs through its middle portion, dragging its feet through what seems like too many of the source material’s less-than-theatrical details. Director Daniel Alfredson, replacing “Dragon Tattoo” director Niels Arden Oplev, doesn’t offer much tension or excitement. The source material isn’t quite on par with “Dragon Tattoo” either, as the central mystery is revealed far too early.
Rapace is real star though, and the movie will be must-see for anyone who enjoyed the first film. Still, you’re not missing too much by waiting another month or so for the DVD release.
The third film in the series, “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest,” should hit American theaters this fall. Then “Fight Club” director David Fincher gets a crack at the American remake. Too bad Rapace has already turned down a reprise.
“The Girl Who Played with Fire” Grade: B-