David Fincher directs the 2011 American version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and not only is it a strikingly visual piece that will make you laugh, cry, cringe, or smile, but it holds its own as an adaptation, separating itself from the 2009 Swedish film as a whole new approach to the material, much like the case with Let The Right One In and Let Me In. Daniel Craig and Christopher Plummer are two of the many other actors who contributed grade A performances in both major and minor roles, but no one stands out more than Rooney Mara, who takes a breakthrough role leap and delivers above what is expected, bringing even new layers to the character of Lisbeth Salander, the stories heroine. The soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross alone as a musical collection is a great feat, but put it to this film with Fincher’s style and all will sync in beautiful, destructive harmony. ****1/2

(+) Rooney Mara’s performance alone, but also to the cast of amazing actors.

(+) Fincher’s unique positioning and use of the camera, and his direction.

(+) The soundtrack is a great album alone.

(+) The opening title sequence.

(-) At times can be a little slow and confusing, but it deserves many views.

Ratings: ***** (Classic) ****1/2 (Amazing) 

**** (Very Good) ***1/2 (Good)

*** (Pretty Good) **1/2 (Okay)

** (Merely Okay) *1/2 (One or Two Good Things)

* (One Thing Stood Out) 

No Stars (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen)