film criticism by maryann johanson | celebrating 25 years: 1997–2022
Tough, smart, and competent, yet also wounded and searching: that Lisbeth Salander remains the riveting centerpiece of the two films that follow on from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but, alas, her continuing story has been winnowed down in a way that makes it — and her — feel smaller than before.
U.S. AND CANADA/OPENING WIDE Despicable Me: “It’s so fluffy I’m gonna die!” is my new go-to phrase for when I’m excited about anything. If you can’t make it to the multiplex, try: • The Incredibles (2004): the last great animated movie about supervillains (and the superheroes who thwart them). • 101 Dalmatians (1961): For one … more…
Take a break from work: watch a trailer… The more I think about The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, the more I like it. I hope the sequel does not disappoint. A new director — Daniel Alfredson — has taken over for this and the final film. At least the cast remains the same. The … more…
As it always does, the inevitable has come to pass. The Swedish film The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is getting the Hollywood treatment. Never mind that the original film is a worldwide phenomenon that has earned more than $100 million worldwide, including more than $9 million in North America, which ranks it respectably as … more…
See it if you love movies with compelling characters doing fascinating things and overcoming tremendous obstacles to get to an immensely satisfying end. You know: the things that movies are supposed to do, but rarely seem to manage.
