The movie forces me to need to read the book to iron-out what is going on.

Rating: 6/10 (5 January 2012)

I did not read the book. I don't necessarily want to read the book, but the movie is very slick to look at which, I like very much. I prefer not to have to go back and research any book that a movie is based-on in order to follow the details I think are missing in the movie. That said, the original Swedish version of this story is much easier to follow than in this American version. The intensity is lacking in the American version and I was not as captivated by Rooney Mara as Noomi Rapace, who is far more compelling on screen than Rooney Mara in this role. Craig was miscast here, and I like him as an actor dashing across a roof like a scalded cat, but not here portraying an editor. Plummer is perfect, as usual. Without resorting to comparing the book to the movie, which is inappropriate I think, this American movie version is simply bland by comparison. I was spellbound and hypnotized by the Swedish version, but unfortunately, just mildly drawn to the plot and characters which in my opinion were far too restrained in the drama they brought to the performance, no doubt designed for overly sensitive American viewers. It would help also if the dialog were easier to hear. What's up with all the whispering? I'll just have to rent the video and play it with subtitles on to discover what is being said. Don't get me wrong - the movie is very watchable as a kind of long music video. I intend to watch this movie several times to see if my negative impressions last over the long run. As movies go, without comparing them to the books they are based on which is unfair, I say see this movie and then see the Swedish versions and decide for yourself.