Sony PicturesNo doubt, Rooney Mara is Lisbeth Salander. But there's a lot more to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo than just her stellar jaw-dropping performance.
With that, we give you five reasons why you should must see this movie...
1. The Opening: If Tom Cruise had Renée Zellweger at hello, then director David Fincher had me at the title sequence. It's a big black glob of creepiness. Can't tell what the creatures are or if the oozing black liquid is motorcycle grease or blood (or both), but no matter. It's enough to get things started.
2. The Romance: The chemistry between Daniel Craig and Robin Wright is spot-on, but it's the electricity of the James Bond actor and Mara that really heats things up. Craig is handsome all over (in and out of his clothes). Mara is sex, sex and more sex. Sometimes it's good but sometimes it's bad—like violent vigilante bad.
3. The Scenery: It's a dark and gloomy Sweden, but there's life and blood running through every frame. Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy and the Swedish movie adaptations have already increased the Nordic country's tourism business. Expect Mara & Co. to do the same.
4. The Fashion: Even if you're not into goth, who could argue with how cool Mara looks? Blacks and grays, torn clothing, leather jackets and kickass boots. The piercings, tattoos, shaved eyebrows and the rebel pixie haircut? Amazing! Craig also has his moments, especially when he's bundled up in a dark slim fitted overcoat, knit hat and scarf—or just wearing a pair of black underwear.
5. The Breakout Star: Did I happen to tell you how friggin' awesome Mara is. Or should I say how friggin' awesome Lisbeth is, because there's no sign of Mara in the movie. Fingers-crossed she nabs an Oscar nom. And fingers crossed even more that she and Fincher team up for more Dragon Tattoo flicks.
We do warn you, however, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is not for the young Twilight set. Some of the violence is truly horrifying and is for mature audiences only.