Fincher's work is, as always, undeniably quality driven.

Rating: 8/10 (27 January 2012)

If you have seen the 2009 original and this 2011 version, don't try or feel you must choose one over the other. Enjoy them both for what they are; the original was a thriller you can't forget and the remake is in many respects a version with the few improvements you'd like to see. David Fincher grabs your attention from the outset with the stylistic opening credits that are in the same class as what we have come to expect with the likes of the James Bond opening credits; a soundtrack that commands attention and graphics that astound.
There are nuances in the stories' details; the remake has added more than it has left out. Fincher is noted for attention to details, the kind that keep you glued to your seat and make you revel in each turning moments of the story (not that the original lacked in much of that). The pace is faster and the more than 2½ hours (5 minutes longer than the original) will wiz by, something many viewers will appreciate. I preferred the pace of the original, but I'm probably in the minority.
The cinematography, as good as the original was, is superior in the remake, in my opinion. As for the cast, the remake has for a majority of us the advantage of featuring actors we are familiar with and of which are likely fans. Daniel Craig, in the role of Mikael Blomkvist, is certainly preferred over Michael Nyqvist; Stellan Skarsgård, in the role of Martin Vanger, also preferred over Peter Haber and Christopher Plummer over Sven-Bertil Taube in the role of Henrik Vanger. Rooney Mara has gone above and beyond the call of duty to deliver a 'Lisbeth' we could appreciate as much as the performance of Noomi Rapace; that is a spectacular character and a role formidable for any actress. I give credit to Mara for delivering a solid performance. No doubt, many will love her. I, on the other hand, feel Noomi Rapace owned that role by the exceptional and unbeatable performance in the original. I can't help but mention that the tattoo on Noomi Rapace is stunning and a reminder of the one adorned by Ralph Fiennes in 'Red Dragon'; the tattoo on Mara is not even close to rival Rapace's. Fincher was however smart not to have the same one used on Mara.
Like many viewers, I can only hope Fincher will do the other two remakes; I'm afraid to look up that information and find he won't. I liked the 2011 remake as much as the original, no more no less. I won't choose, but I will say I love the Stieg Larsson trilogy and leave it at that.