“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”
A reporter and a hacker look into a 40-year-old case.
The main reason director David Fincher’s film works is Rooney Mara brings fire, insanity and emotional combustibility to the role. It requires a complete transformation into a character who is dark enough to torture her rapist but still comes across as vulnerable enough to justify her actions.
Grade: A-
“The Muppets”
The gang must get back together to save their theater. If you’re looking for something for the whole family to enjoy, “The Muppets” is a marvelous choice.
What makes the film work is director James Bobin. He guides the gang through the story using the same template that made the TV show so good. The fourth wall is broken as characters repeatedly reference being in a movie.
Bobin dots the film with big-name guest stars in cameo roles, just as in the series. The actors in the film often look both excited and a little hesitant to trade lines with a handful of cloth and cotton. Jack Black, who could very well be a living Muppet, seems the most comfortable.
The return of Kermit, Miss Piggy and the rest of the gang to the big screen means nostalgic comfort for adults and a rowdy fun time for kids. It’s wocka, wocka wonderful.
Grade: A
Also new
“Carnage”: Meeting to settle a dispute explodes into a verbal battle. Jodie Foster stars.
“People Are Funny”: NBC television game show hosted by Art Linkletter.
“Battle Royale”: Futuristic tale of teens forced to fight to the death is based on the 1999 best seller by Koushun Takami.
“The Best of Caillou: Caillou’s Outdoor Adventures”: Includes 12 adventures.
Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee (Fresno, Calif.)
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