Film Review: ROAD TO PERDITION (2002)

Director: Sam Mendes
Writers: Max Allan Collins (graphic novel), Richard Piers Rayner (graphic novel), David Self (screenplay)
Running time: 117 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

Genre: Crime/Drama/Thriller
UK Release date: 27^th September 2002

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 20^th January 2013.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

This is a film I have only seen once before (surprisingly); it was quite a few years ago but I do remember I was impressed with it. As it aired on TV this week, I decided to take the opportunity to re-acquaint myself with it. I wasn’t disappointed; it’s every bit as good as I remembered; if not better! Here’s a very brief outline before I give you my thoughts.

Mike Sullivan (Tom Hanks) works for gangland boss John Rooney (Paul Newman) in a town not far from Chicago in the 1930’s. Mike is sent out to talk to someone who spoke out of line. He goes with with Rooney’s son, Connor (Daniel Craig). Now Connor has been spending a bit too much time in Chicago and he gets a little trigger-happy and kills the man. They soon discover the shooting had been witnessed by Sullivan’s son, Michael (Tyler Hoechlin); who had stowed away in the car. He promises to say nothing but that’s not good enough for Connor, who not only goes out and kills Sullivan’s wife, Annie (Jennifer Jason Leigh), and younger son, Peter (Liam Aiken); but also tries to have Sullivan himself killed. This enrages Sullivan and he takes Michael on a road trip; a road trip of revenge. But can he prevent his son from following his own path?

Beautifully shot; I love the way the images almost match the cells in the graphic novel on which it’s based. This is without the use of any false colouring or camera trickery; it’s all done in the framing, I love the look of it. Also the use of sound was very refreshing; somehow gunshots have more impact when you don’t hear them. All the performances were excellent; particularly Tom Hanks, who is so skilled in this type of role. I also thought the young Tyler Hoechlin did a good job and Paul Newman and Daniel Craig were also excellent. I also enjoyed seeing Jude Law as a hit man, Harlen Maguire, sent out after the pair. It has quite a slow pace, but I didn’t mind that; it’s always absorbing and interesting and I rate it very highly.

SteelMonster’s verdict: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

My score: 9.1/10.

IMDb Score: 7.7/10 (based on 135,321 votes when this review was written).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0257044/

MetaScore: 72/100: (Based on 36 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 82/100 (based on 207 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 81/100 (based on 159,825 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/road_to_perdition/

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FAVOURITE QUOTES:
[first lines]
Michael Sullivan, Jr.: There are many stories about Michael Sullivan. Some say he was a decent man. Some say there was no good in him at all. But I once spent 6 weeks on the road with him, in the winter of 1931. This is our story.

Peter Sullivan: Why are you always smiling?
Connor Rooney: 'Cause it's all so fuckin' hysterical.

John Rooney: Natural law. Sons are put on this earth to trouble their fathers.

[after seeing his father kill someone]
Michael Sullivan, Jr.: Does Mama know?
Michael Sullivan: Your mother knows I love Mr. Rooney. When we had nothing, he gave us a home... a life... and we owe him.

[Sullivan has a gun to Kelly's head]
Jack Kelly: Think, Mike. Don't be stupid. I'm just the messenger.
Michael Sullivan: [lowers his gun] Then give Mr. Rooney a message for me.
Jack Kelly: What is it?

[Maguire has pulled out a camera]
Michael Sullivan: Is that, uh... your profession or... your pleasure?
Maguire: Both, I guess. To be paid to do what you love... ain't that the dream?

LINKS:
(NOTE: All links were working at the time of going to press)
Trailer:

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: THE SECRET OF THE UNICORN (2011)

Director: Steven Spielberg
Writers: Hergé (comic book series “The Adventures of Tintin”), Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish (screenplay)
Running time: 107 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): PG

Genre: Animation/Action/Adventure
UK Release date: 26^th October 2011

Watched on Sky+ Thursday 27^th December 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I remember there being a lot of talk in the press when this one came out; opinion appeared divided. Of course I didn’t get a chance to see it at the time of release and so I was pleased when it came up in the Christmas films on TV this month. It’s an interesting film with some nice ideas… I’ll tell you more after this very brief summary.

When Tintin (Jamie Bell) buys a model of the 17^th Century ship ‘The Unicorn’, he doesn’t realise the trouble he’s about to cause himself. A mysterious character, Sakharine (Daniel Craig) tries to buy the ship off him but he refuses. An accident leads to the discovery of a secret parchment; a clue that will lead Tintin (& his faithful dog, Snowy) on a great adventure. They board a ship and discover the captain, a certain Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis) is being held captive and drunk by his own crew who have been bought off by Sakharine. Can Tintin discover the secret of the Unicorn… Can he sober Captain Haddock up long enough for him to be of any help… Will the Thompson Twins (Nick Frost & Simon Pegg) turn up later in a kind of ‘just in the nick of time’ way?... All these and many more questions to be answered.

It’s all very well made with state of the art animation and motion capture to the fore. All the performances were very good with Andy Serkis standing out as Captain Haddock. It did, however, feel like a series of set pieces stitched together by a rather flimsy adventure story. Far too much is left to coincidence for anything to be credible I’m afraid, which is probably why I wasn’t really a fan of the Tintin stories in the first place. Over all, it didn’t quite work for me; however, I would be interested to see what they do with the next instalment.

SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED (…Just)

My score: 6.9/10

IMDb Score: 7.4/10 (based on 103,119 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0983193/

MetaScore: 68/100: (Based on 40 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 75/100 (based on 198 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 75/100 ‘Liked it’ (based on 68,353 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_adventures_of_tintin/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
[in a plane]
Captain Haddock: You do know what you're doing, right?
Tintin: Relax. I interviewed a pilot once!

Tintin: Captain, can you get us to Bagghar?
Captain Haddock: What sort of a stupid question is that?
[gets up]
Captain Haddock: Give me those oars! I'll show you some real seamanship, laddie! I'll not be doubted by some pipsqueak tuft of ginger and his irritating dog. I am master and commander of the seas!

Tintin: To think, all it took was one day in the Sahara! Congratulations, Captain, you're sober!

Tintin: How's your thirst for adventure, Captain?
Captain Haddock: Unquenchable, Tintin.

LINKS:
Official Site: http://us.tintin.com/
Trailer:

Film Review: SKYFALL (2012)

Director: Sam Mendes
Writers: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, John Logan & Ian Fleming (Characters - Uncredited)
Running time: 143 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 12A

Genre: Action/Adventure/Thriller
UK Release date: 26^th October 2012

Watched at the Picture House (K-town) Saturday 28^th October 2012.

-o0o-

When Bond came back with ‘Casino Royalle’ (2006) he came back with a bang; he then stumbled a bit in ‘Quantum of Solace’ (2008) but I’m very pleased to report he’s bang on form again with ‘Skyfall’. Putting Sam Mendes in charge has really worked and we have a coherent character led story that really delivers. I could see parts where some younger members of the audience were beginning to lose interest, but these were few and far between. Plenty of action to keep the explosion junkies happy as well as a nicely put together plot. Here’s a very brief (& spoiler-free) summary.

A hard drive is stolen containing the identities of many deep-cover agents around the world. Bond is immediately on the case; chasing down the thief in one of the best opening sequences I’ve seen to a Bond film (or any other film for that matter). Needless to say the bad guy gets away and Bond is missing (presumed dead). But when the MI6 building in London is attacked he decides to come out of retirement and help M track down whoever is behind it. What follows is an exciting and enthralling journey that strikes at the very core of Bond and in particular his relationship with M. It seems M has had a much larger bearing on Bond’s life than was ever revealed before. I will leave it there before I say too much… Wouldn’t want to be run over by a run-away train now would I.

Beautifully shot with much less reliance in gadgetry than has been customary in the past. It’s almost like they were keeping truer to the Bond that Ian Fleming wrote about; a man that relies more on his wits than on technology. All the performances were excellent (as ever) with Daniel Craig taking on the mantle of James Bond for a third time and gaining great plaudits on the way. Judi Dench does a great job as M; a role that this time requires great depth and she provides in spades! For the evil mastermind we have Javier Bardem who does such a great job as the Bond villain Silva; perfect for the role. Also worthy of note were Ralph Fiennes as Gareth Mallory; Naomie Harris as Eve; Bérénice Marlohe as Sévérine; Albert Finney as Kincade and not forgetting Ben Whishaw who did a great job as Q.

A film that brings Bond back to its roots with many old characters re-stated by the end; I’m certain it will please many long-standing fans like myself. The story does have quite a lot of emotional depth both for Bond and for M as they are forced to face their past. A highly enjoyable film that stretches all the emotions; everything from laughter to despair; I loved it! Well worth a look – It has my seal of approval, which, coming from a man who, if he used his middle name and mother’s maiden name would be called James Bond… Think on.

SteelMonster’s verdict: VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

My score: 9.4/10

IMDb Score: 8.5/10 (based on 14,362 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1074638/

MetaScore: 83/100: (Based on 10 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 94/100 (based on 63 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 91/100 ‘Liked it’ (based on 41,688 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/skyfall/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Psychologist: I'm going to say a word, and I want you to say the first word that comes into your head. Country?
James Bond: England.
Psychologist: Gun?
James Bond: Shot.
Psychologist: Agent?
James Bond: Provocateur.
Psychologist: Murder?
James Bond: Employment.
Psychologist: Skyfall?
[pause when there is no answer]
Psychologist: Skyfall?
James Bond: Done.
[Walks out]

Q: I'm your new quartermaster.
James Bond: You must be joking.

James Bond: Everyone needs a hobby...
Raoul Silva: So what's yours?
James Bond: Resurrection.

Sévérine: What do you know?
James Bond: Well, it takes a certain type of women to wear a backless dress with a Beretta 70 strapped to her thigh.

Raoul Silva: England... Mi6... so old-fashioned!

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://www.007.com/skyfall/
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Skyfall/459060174146573
Trailer:

Film Review: QUANTUM OF SOLACE (2008) – Revisited

Director: Marc Forster
Writers: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade & Paul Haggis (screenplay): Ian Fleming (novel)
Running time: 106 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 12

Genre: Action/Adventure/Thriller
UK Release date: 31^st October 2008

Watched on DVD Sunday 14^th October 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I watched ‘Casino Royale’ just recently and found it a really great way to reboot the Bond franchise. This is the second time I’ve seen ‘Quantum of Solace’ and I have to say I didn’t enjoy it quite as much this time around. That’s not to say that it’s bad, far from it, I still think it’s a pretty good film; maybe not as good as I did on first viewing is all. It helps if you have seen ‘Casino Royale’ to understand why Bond is behaving the way he is, but I don’t think it’s essential, there are enough references for you to figure it out. Here’s a brief summary before I give you my thoughts.

We begin with a car chase, a great way to start many an action thriller. Guns blazing, the bad guys eventually get their comeuppance; I don’t think I’m giving anything away there! Bond drives to Siena where M is waiting to question the prisoner he has in his boot (trunk if you’re in the US). There’s a double cross and this is where the action starts… I won’t go into too much detail about the plot, partly because it’s quite complicated and partly because I don’t want to give away any spoilers. But very briefly, good guys, Bond, M…etc. against mysterious bad guys who we don’t even find out the name of until almost the end. Don’t worry, I won’t say it… Oh, and there’s a girl with revenge on her mind involved, and I reckon that’s about all I can tell you.

Great performance from Daniel Craig (as ever) as Bond and Olga Kurylenko as Camille. Judi Dench was brilliant, isn’t she always, as M and I thought Mathieu Amalric was adequate as Dominic Greene, the chief bad guy. Honourable mentions to Gemma Arterton as Strawberry Fields, Giancarlo Giannini as Rene Mathis and Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter.

Production wise, I couldn’t fault it, shot very well both on location and at Pinewood with, as usual, an excellent soundtrack. On the down side, the fight sequences did remind me of the ‘Jason Bourne’ films a little bit too much, I expected something a little more original. Over all, just what we’ve come to expect from a modern Bond movie, it just lacked a little humour to lighten it up a bit, apart from that, pretty enjoyable… if a little over complicated.

SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.4/10

IMDb Score: 6.8/10 (based on 165,595 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0830515/

MetaScore: 58/100: (Based on 38 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 65/100 (based on 246 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 62/100 ‘Liked it’ (based on 385,925 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/quantum_of_solace/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
M: It'd be a pretty cold bastard who didn't want revenge for the death of someone he loved.

Mr. White: The first thing you should know about us is... we have people everywhere.

James Bond: How long have I got?
Felix Leiter: Thirty seconds.
James Bond: That doesn't give us a lot of time...

M: Who the hell is this organisation Bond? How can they be everywhere and we know nothing about them!

Camille: You lost somebody?
James Bond: I did.
Camille: You catch who ever did it?
James Bond: No, not yet.
Camille: Tell me when you do, I'd like to know how it feels...

James Bond: [Interrupting the opera house conversation] Can I offer an opinion? I really think you people should find a better place to meet.

Camille: So, what's your interest in Greene?
James Bond: Among other things, he tried to kill a friend of mine.
Camille: A woman?
James Bond: Yes. But it's not what you think.
Camille: Your mother?
James Bond: She likes to think so.

Camille: How much did he want?
James Bond: He wanted you but I left the car as collateral. He'll get much more when he sells us out.

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://www.007.com/
Trailer:

Film Review: CASINO ROYALE (2006)

Director: Martin Campbell
Writers: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade & Paul Haggis (screenplay): Ian Fleming (novel)
Running time: 139 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 12

Genre: Action/Adventure/Thriller
UK Release date: 16^th November 2006

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 7^th October 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

In anticipation of the new Bond film ‘Skyfall’, out in a couple of weeks, I thought I’d take a look at the last two in the series, starting (of course) with Daniel Craig’s debut; Casino Royale. For the record, yes, I have seen it before and very much enjoyed it. It’s been quite a while since my first look so it will be interesting to see how it fairs. Here’s a very brief summary before I give you my thoughts.

Having lost his clients’ money in a scheme foiled by James Bond; financier to the criminal underworld, Le Chiffre, arranges a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale in Montenegro (not Monte Carlo as many mistakenly think). Of course Bond has a seat and he has a beautiful woman on his arm; Vesper Lynd, who represents the treasury who are staking Bond. His aim; to prevent Le Chiffre from wining and gaining back his reputation. There are many bluffs and counter bluffs but you know Bond will win out in the end… But at what cost? I’ll leave it there, the Spoiler Police will be pleased with me today as I’ve kept it particularly vague.

Very well made with, as ever, some great music supplied by David Arnold. There are also some great locations (as expected) and some quite breathtaking stunt work (hats off to those guys). I thought Daniel Craig was excellent as Bond; he really brings the character up to date and gives him a lot more edge; something that had been lacking in his more recent predecessors. Eva Green did an excellent job as Vesper Lynd; vulnerable when needed but also quite sassy at times. And now the bad guy; Mads Mikkelsen plays Le Chiffre with just the right amount of menace, nicely done! I will also give a mention to; Judi Dench as M, she was excellent as ever, Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter and Giancarlo Giannini as Rene Mathis.

There is quite a lot of action before things focus on the Casino; all of this is well done and features much of the stunt work in the film. I have to say it does appear to get a little lost once the main focus of the film is established. Once we do get there the scenes in and around the Casino are quite compelling and it is here that we actually get a feeling for how Daniel Craig portrays Bond. He has vulnerabilities that make him appear more human and this in turn gives the audience a chance to understand his motivations. I must admit I really enjoyed Craig’s portrayal and am looking forward to more of the same. As for the film as a whole; I very much enjoyed it. Very entertaining with everything we’ve come to expect from a Bond film, and more.

SteelMonster’s verdict: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

My score: 8.5/10

IMDb Score: 7.9/10 (based on 254,443 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0381061/

MetaScore: 81/100: (Based on 38 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 94/100 (based on 217 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 87/100 ‘Liked it’ (based on 602,204 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/casino_royale/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
James Bond: So you want me to be half-monk, half-hitman.
M: Any thug can kill. I need you to take your ego out of the equation.

Vesper Lynd: It doesn't bother you? Killing all those people?
James Bond: Well I wouldn't be very good at my job if it did.

James Bond: Dry Martini.
Bartender: Oui, monsieur.
James Bond: Wait... three measures of Gordon's; one of vodka; half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it over ice, and add a thin slice of lemon peel.
Bartender: Yes, sir.
Tomelli: You know, I'll have one of those.
Infante: So will I.
Bartender: Certainly.
Felix Leiter: My friend, bring me one as well, keep the fruit.
Le Chiffre: [annoyed] That's it? Hm? Anyone want to play poker now?
Felix Leiter: Someone's in a hurry.

Le Chiffre: [after striking Bond with a knotted rope] You know, I never understood all these elaborate tortures. It's the simplest thing... to cause more pain than a man can possibly endure.
[strikes Bond again, this time harder]
Le Chiffre: And of course, it's not only the immediate agony, but the knowledge... that if you do not yield soon enough... there will be little left to identify you as a man.
[drags up a stool, sits down next to Bond and slaps him on the cheek]
Le Chiffre: The only question remains: will you yield, in time?

M: You don't trust anyone, do you?
James Bond: No.
M: Then you've learned your lesson.

Mr. White: Hello?
James Bond: Mr. White? We need to talk.
Mr. White: Who is this?
[a shot rings out. White's leg is shattered. He drops to the ground in obvious pain and drags himself toward the house. He is stopped at the steps by the feet of a man in a suit. He looks up to see Bond with a cell phone in one hand and an assault weapon in the other]
James Bond: The name's Bond. James Bond.

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://www.007.com/
Trailer:

Film Review: MUNICH (2005)

Director: Steven Spielberg
Writers: Tony Kushner & Eric Roth (screenplay), George Jonas (book “Vengeance: The True Story of an Israeli Counter-Terrorist Team”)
Running time: 164 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

Genre: Drama/History/Thriller
UK Release date: 27^th January 2006

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 13^th May 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I am old enough to remember the events that took place at the Munich Olympics in 1972. I don’t remember much detail because I was quite young, but I do remember the news reports and the fact that everything got very serious from then on. This film deals with the aftermath of that attack and how the Israeli secret service (Mossad) wreaked its revenge on those they deemed responsible. Here’s a brief summary before I give you my thoughts.

A terrorist attack by the Palestinian group known as Black September at the Munich Olympic Games in 1972 left eleven Israeli athletes dead. A secret plan is hatched and a team of five is assembled to hunt down those responsible for planning the attack. The team is led by Avner, a young agent who’s wife is about to give birth, even so, he agrees to go. The other members of the team are Steve, Carl, Robert and Hans. They each have their specialities and use them to great effect. The group is overseen by Ephraim, a high-up government agent. Their main problem if finding information on the whereabouts of their targets, but a mysterious French group who will supply the information for a price. The only thing they ask is that it is not divulged to governments, if so, they will refuse to work with the group. As time passes Avner becomes more and more disenchanted with the effectiveness of their scheme. More atrocities are carried out in the name of the Black September group and every time they dispose of someone, another is put in his place. Will he see it through to the end? Well, I guess I had better not tell you that or the Spoiler Police (Espionage Division) will be planting a bomb in by bed (again).

Very well made with all the attention to detail you’d expect from a film made by Steven Spielberg. Original music by John Williams was excellent also. The performances were all very good with Eric Bana as Avner, Ciarán Hinds as Carl and Geoffrey Rush as Ephraim standing out for me. They were ably supported by Daniel Craig as Steve, Mathieu Kassovitz as Robert, Hanns Zischler as Hans, Michael Lonsdale as Papa and Mathieu Amalric as Louis.

Although it’s very well made with some excellent performances, it has two things that I found were not in its favour. Firstly, it’s far too long and secondly, the pacing of it is very slow and this, combined with the length does not make for an overly enjoyable viewing experience. Don’t get me wrong, aspects of the film are quite compelling and the action sequences are as exciting as you’d find anywhere else, I just found it a little slow and far too long. Even so, I still think it’s worth a look.

My score: 7.1/10

IMDb Score: 7.7/10 (based on 110,104 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0408306/

MetaScore: 74/100: (Based on 39 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 78/100 (based on 198 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 78/100 (based on 304,565 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/munich/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Ephraim: We deposit money from a fund that doesn't exist into a box we don't know about in a bank we've never set foot in. We can't help you because we never heard of you before.

Ephraim: We have 11 Palestinian names. Each had a hand in planning Munich. You're going to kill them, 11 men, one by one. They're all in Europe now. You'll stay there as long as it takes. Europe only, not the Arab countries. That's for us, not you. And not Eastern Bloc. Don't upset the Russians. Who needs it? You'll have no contact with us.
Avner: You're not going to give me any information?
Ephraim: We deposit money from a fund that doesn't exist into a box we don't know about, in a bank we never set foot in. We can't help you because we never heard of you before. You'll do what the terrorists do. You think they report back to home base? They don't. We want them dead.

Steve: You know how to shoot, to assassinate people, right? I mean, you make dolls in a toyshop, and you... you shop for sofas? And you- I don't know what you do.
Carl: Me? I worry.
Steve: [to Avner] So why did they make you team leader?
Hans: Because he really knows how to cook a brisket.
Avner: [starts laughing]

[last lines]
Avner: Break bread with me. Come on, you're a Jew in a foreign land. It's written somewhere I should invite you to break bread with me. Break bread with me, Ephraim.
Ephraim: No.

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://www.universalstudiosentertainment.com/munich/
Trailer:

Film Review: THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO (2011)

Director: David Fincher
Writers: Steven Zaillian (Screenplay) & Stieg Larsson (Novel)
Running time: 158 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 18

Genre: Crime/Drama/Mystery
UK Release date: 26^th December 2011

Watched at the cinema Saturday 7^th January 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

Having seen the 2009 Swedish version of this film I thought it might be interesting to see how Hollywood treated it. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The location and key elements of the story were kept the same, but obviously a bigger budget allowed for a more cinematic experience. I will give you my thoughts after this brief summary.

When journalist and Editor Mikael Blomkvist is sued by a businessman he had written a story about, he finds himself with no savings and a reputation in tatters. Fortunately, an industrialist, Henrik Vanger, wants him to investigate the disappearance of his niece, Harriet, over forty years ago. Before engaging him, Vanger had Blomkvist investigated by a security firm who had used the pierced, tattooed, punk computer hacker Lisbeth Salander as the investigator. We follow Blomkvist’s investigation along with events in Lisbeth’s life (which are sometimes quite hard to watch). Eventually Blomkvist reaches a point where he needs an assistant and Lisbeth is recommended to him. This is where things start to get really interesting… and also the point I will stop my little summary. I don’t want the Spoiler Police on my doorstep as 3AM (again).

Beautifully shot and very well produced; David Fincher has a well deserved reputation as a filmmaker and it shows. Great performances all round; Daniel Craig did a great job as Mikael Blomkvist, as did Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander, she had a very tough act to follow in Noomi Rapace but I thought she acquitted herself well. Also worth of note were; Christopher Plummer as Henrik Vanger, Stellan Skarsgård as Martin Vanger, Steven Berkoff as Frode, Robin Wright as Erika Berger and Yorick van Wageningen as Bjurman.

Having seen the original I cannot but fail to make comparisons and I must say this version is just as good. I say that because I found this one a lot easier to follow, the storyline has been streamlined somewhat. Also, the production is far more elaborate; it obviously had a much bigger budget. As far as performances go though I think the original has the edge; to me Noomi Rapace played the part of Lisbeth Salander so well that anyone else playing that part was going to struggle to top it. Don’t get me wrong, Rooney Mara did a fine job and if I hadn’t seen Noomi Rapace in the role I may well have been singing her praises. I have given this version the same score as the original and I’m very happy to give it my seal of approval: Recommended.

My score: 8.2/10.

IMDb Score: 8.2/10 (based on 20,621 votes when this review was written).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1568346/

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 86/100 (based on 190 reviews counted at the time of going to press).
Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 90/100 (based on 45,575 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_girl_with_the_dragon_tattoo/

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FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Henrik Vanger: Soon you'll know us all too well, with my apologies.

Mikael Blomkvist: Who knows about this?
Henrik Vanger: Just me, the police, the killer, and now you.

Lisbeth Salander: He's had a long standing sexual relationship with his co-editor of the magazine. Sometimes he performs cunnilingus on her. Not often enough in my opinion.

Mikael Blomkvist: I can't find any record of her and I'm pretty good at that kind of thing.
Armansky: She's had a rough life. Can we please not make it any rougher?

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://www.dragontattoo.net/
Trailer: