[9.25/10] The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

The Girl with the
Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Brief review: Based on the first of three novels in the best-selling trilogy, "Millennium", David Fincher's version of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is every bit as compelling as the Swedish original, even superior in some ways. The director's love for the story is written all over the film, and despite the 158 min running time, and fairly slow pacing, he keeps us involved with flawless storytelling, quiet tension, mesmerizing visuals and intriguing characters. Fincher's exquisitely masterful direction makes "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" not only a true masterpiece of subtle mysteriousness, but also one of the most wonderfully crafted and atmospherically captivating films of 2011. The wintry and, yet beautiful Swedish scenery provides the perfect backdrop for the unsolved murder mystery, and the washed-out color palette, the low-key lighting and the fuzzy, yet refined cinematography create a darkly enigmatic atmosphere that adds to the grim beauty of the film. Daniel Craig is fully dedicated to his character, Mikael Blomkvist, giving a far more believable and engaging portrayal than Michael Nyqvist did in the original movie. Rooni Mara is no Noomi Rapace, but she still delivers a sensational, career-defining performance Lisbeth Salander, whose vulnerability is hidden behind a dark mask of tough grittiness. The supporting cast does a fantastic job as well, with Stellan Skarsgård being the standout.

Overall summary: With its pitch-perfect narrative, sophisticated visuals, polished direction and outstanding performances, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is another cinematic jewel in Fincher's crown, and easily ranks as one of the best remakes of foreign films ever made.

[9.25/10] X-Men: First Class (2011)

X-Men: First Class (2011)

Full review: Five years after the entertaining if rather disappointing installment, "X-Men: The Last Stand", British director Matthew Vaughn delivers a 'kick-ass' prequel that brings us back to the origins of our favorite mutants. From the intriguing opening sequence to the spectacular, action-packed final act, pretty much everything about "X-Men: First Class" works so well, you'll find yourself arrested by its utter brilliance, both visual and conceptual. The story is complex and multi-layered, yet well-paced and far from confusing, and although it may seem familiar to the fans of the franchise, Matthew Vaughn somewhat finds a fresh way to sell the same message we've been hearing since the beginning. This installment also introduces many new interesting characters/mutants, we haven't seen in the previous three films. Furthermore, "X-Men: First Class" is a pure visual extravaganza, as it features tons of eye-candy shots, stunning settings, first-rate special effects and stupendous action sequences. The authentic, yet stunningly impressive production design of the movie is definitely one of the highlights - the 60s era is represented quite perfectly, and in a very stylish sort of way. Vaughn's skills behind the camera are more impressive than ever before, and as a result his direction feels fresh, energetic and bold. "First Class" is, unsurprisingly, heavy one CGIs, and thankfully, those are slick, polished and pretty flawless, as are the 'difficult' make-up effects. The action scenes are precisely-staged, flashy and thrilling, without being overblown and messily-edited. The performances are also one of this film's main strengths. The uber-talented James McAvoy gives a convincing and extremely passionate performance as the witty and geniusly-clever Charles Xavier a.k.a. Professor X. However, it's Michael Fassbender that steals the entire show as the charismatic Magnito. Even though Fassbender plays a half-villain, he's so likable, and his presence is so strong, you can't take your eyes off of him, while he's on the screen. Who could imagine that the harsh and uncompromising Magnito has also a soft side?! Jennifer Lawrence also shines as the unpredictable, yet extremely charming Raven, and Nicholas Hoult delivers in his role as the young scientist-turned-beast, Hank McCoy. The supporting performances range from decent to very good, with Kevin Bacon being the best, and the otherwise gorgeous January Jones being the weakest link.

Overall summary: Thanks to its fantastic cast, strong script, dazzling production design, and director Matthew Vaughn's visual creativity, "X-Men: First Class" is an absolutely brilliant prequel, that ranks right up there with the best installment in the franchise, "X2: X-Men United", and proves to be a first class indeed.

[9.25/10] Trolljegeren a.k.a. The Troll Hunter (2010)

Trolljegeren

a.k.a.

TrollHunter (2010)

Brief review: Written and directed by, André Øvredal, "The Troll Hunter" is a mockumentary that explores the real existence of trolls in a remote regions of Norway. Presented as a rough-cut footage, retrieved from a missing student camera crew and kept 'in secret' by the Norwegian government, "The Troll Hunter" is a breath of fresh air in the mock-doc horror genre, as it offers an incredibly original story, inspired by an old Scandinavian legend, presented in a somewhat believable way, and executed to perfection. Not only "Trolljegeren" is authentic, but also consistently tense, suspenseful and utterly terrifying in moments, plus, its script includes a medical explanation about the trolls and their physiology, which is probably the most curious and interesting part of the story. Visuals-wise, "Trolljegeren" never fails to impress. Thanks to the competent and absolutely flawless CGI work, every single troll is spectacularly-designed, and has its own unique look and feel - they all are formidably huge, ominous and downright mean. Not to speak of the stunningly beautiful forests and mountains of Western Norway, where all the action takes place in. The scenery is as sublimely-imposing as it's creepy, especially during the night sequences, and all this is captured entirely in glorious HD, in order to add even more depth and detail to the already striking visuals. The cast also deliver. Otto Jespersen is tough, yet likable as the Troll hunter himself. He's so composed, confident and fearless, you'll believe every ounce of his performance. Glenn Erland Tosterud delivers the second-best performance in the movie as the enthusiastic Thomas. Tomas Alf Larsen as the cameraman and Johanna Mørck as Johanna, both known to the audience for their roles in "Cold Prey" and its sequel, also give an extremely convincing performances.

Overall summary: Thanks to its uniqueness, chillingly-original concept, pitch-perfect execution and mind-blowing visuals, "The Troll Hunter" is a breath of fresh air into the genre and ranks right up there with such 'found footage' masterpieces as "[REC]" and "The Blair Witch Project".

[9.25/10] 127 Hours (2010)

127 Hours (2010)

Brief review: Based on the real-life story of the mountain climber Aron Ralston, who became trapped by a boulder in Robbers Roost, Utah, for more than five days in 2003, "127 Hours" is an emotional story of fate, hope and despair, that is sure to stay with you long after the credits roll. Despite its predictable climax, it's still a unique experience and unforgettable piece of filmmaking, that is as adventurous and entertaining, as it's claustrophobic and terrifying. Acting-wise, "127 Hours" is basically a one-man-show, but, oh boy, what a show! James Franco turns in an outstanding performance as the adrenaline-junkie climber, Ralston, who's not only physically trapped by a rock, between the canyon's walls, but also mentally "stuck" between harsh reality and dreamy illusions, in his fight for survival. Thanks to his magnetic charm and strong on-screen charisma, he carries the entire movie all by himself. Technically, "127 Hours" is nothing short of impressive! Danny Boyle's imaginative shooting style and vigorous camerawork are to be admired, as uses a very wide range of camera angles, and provide us with some breathtaking panoramic shots, as well as some impressive and intimate close-ups. The 'dream' sequence in particular is wonderfully-executed, and deserves a special mention. Moab's red rock canyon scenery is as stunning, as it's glorious, and it's beautifully-complemented by Chediak and Dod Mantle's sumptuously-saturated cinematography. The amazing music score fits perfectly with the absolutely arresting visuals of this real gem of a film.

Overall summary: A visual and technical tour-de-force, accompanied by James Franco's irresistible performance, "127 Hours" is one of Boyle's most remarkable achievements, and one of 2010's best films.

[9.25/10] Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Based on Bryan Lee O'Malley's comic book of the same name, "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" follows the eponymous slacker rocker on his colorful quest to defeat his dream girl's seven evil ex-boyfriends. Combining an original story, quirky characters, stunning CGIs and spectacular fight sequences, Edgar Wright's "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" provides a unique and extraordinary cinematic experience you won't soon forget. This is not only the first film in history that looks like an actual video game, but it's the first that perfectly blends comedy, romance, martial arts, fantasy and musical in one. "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World"' may not has the most substantial plot ever, but its certainly has an extremely witty and hilarious script that delicately burlesques pretty much everything in a very unique sort of way, and most importantly, the film never takes itself seriously. However, film's main strengths are its flashy visuals, cartoonish special effects and stylishly-choreographed action, accompanied by Wright's incredibly inventive editing style. The editing really needs a special mention, as it's absolutely sensational, as is Edgar Wright's creative direction, that seems inspired by the genius films of Chinese filmmaker, Stephen Chow. The martial arts choreography is absolutely first-rate and the fight scenes are impressively well-handled and deliciously over-the-top and an absolute joy to watch. The cast also delivers. Michael Cera brings his quirky charm to the title character, plus he does an amazing job of performing the Matrix-like action choreography - Michael shows some surprisingly good fight skills and it seems impressively effortless for him. Mary Elizabeth Winstead as the eccentric-haired Ramona Flowers is as captivating as she's charming, Culkin is hilarious as Pilgrimd's gay roommate, Chris Evans is meant for his role as the action star and evil ex, Lucas Lee, and Ellen Wong as the sensitive Knives Chau brings most of the laughs. All the evil ex-es are delightfully villainous and well-portrayed, with Jason Schwartzman as Gideon Graves and Brandon Routh as Todd Ingram being the standouts. Totally refreshing, wildly imaginative, extremely funny, and spectacularly dazzling, "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" is the most original and visually-unique movie since Stephen Chow's cartoonish martial arts extravaganza, "Kung Fu Hustle", and almost like nothing you have seen before.

• My Rating: 9.25/10 [Rating Updated on Feb 6, 2011]
• Rotten Tomatoes: 81% (7.5/10)
• IMDb: 8.0/10