Connections

Rating: 9/10 (29 March 2012)

One of the biggest things with this remake, was if Mara could play this role made iconic by Noomi Rapace. You'll have to answer that one for yourself, if you're even willing to watch both versions. If you ask me, it was tough watching Mara at first, because she went in a completely different direction with it, than Noomi did. But as the movie progressed, I started digging what she was doing with the character. It still would be tough to name a "winner", I'd say I like both women and both characters they showed on screen.
Overall and after watching the original Swedish movie again, in the longer TV cut this time, I have to admit, I think Fincher improved on the Swedish film. Of course you can always try to argue with his choices (like why not change location, why let the main actors talk English most of the time and other things), but that wouldn't be a good way to spend your time. It's better to watch it and enjoy his version of the movie (though "enjoy" might stretch it at times, because the movie does not pull any punches!).
Having said that, I'm curious why there is no connection to the original movie showing up here on IMDb. Is it that obvious that no one thought of putting it in the details? I'm not sure what happened there, though I'm sure someone will change it (it's almost April 2012, let's see how long it'll take).
Comparing the two adaptations of the novel (which I haven't read), I can tell you that there are differences. Smaller ones (plot points and other things), but also time framing and character points. I can only recommend this, because it is a great thriller indeed!