The Tucker Moviepalooza Day 2!

Today we simply went to our favorite Regal Cinemas to view our double feature (and, I might add, only paid for one of them).  Obviously these two films are more mainstream than yesterday's fare, so what were they?   Movie number #3 was...

I have never read the book this was based on, but I did see the Swedish version, so I know the story.  I was hesitant about the American version, mainly because its existence was justified by the fact that dumb American moviegoers (mostly everyone) couldn't stand reading the subtitles in the already excellent Swedish version.  Was it worth the effort to remake it?

The Good

• Hell yes, it was well worth it!  David Fincher and company have crafted a masterful thriller that exceeds all expectations.  Fincher deserves a heap of credit, because the movie rarely drags, even at 160 minutes.  It is wrought with great suspense and deliberate storytelling, and I do not believe any other director could have accomplished this task with this particular narrative.  I've loved Fincher's work since Seven (hell, I even like Alien 3) and I am anxious to see this man win a friggin' Oscar already.  This movie could do it for him.
• Fantastic character development, credited to long time screenwriter Steven Zaillian.  With a cast of characters so disturbed and rich I was very impressed with the time spent on each one of them.  
• Daniel Craig continues to impress me as an actor, avoiding being typecast as James Bond.  He gives a charismatic and nuanced performance, and easily hold the movie on his shoulders.
• MAJOR PROPS to Rooney Mara as the titular character.  Lisbeth Salander may be the most important female character in the past twenty years, and Mara brings her to life with such bravery.  Her fearless performance contains heaps of aggression, apathy and intelligence; depth rarely seen in any character nowadays, male or female.  An Oscar nod is a given.
• All technical aspects of the film are exemplary, from the bleak and beautiful cinematography to the fantastic score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.  Also, the opening credits are AMAZING.
• It is gratifying to see such a great ADULT movie bust into the mainstream.  There is a real lack of these films recently, with most studios catering to the dumb American masses.  However, I know there is a large sect of the public that appreciates a movie like this, where thinking and following are a necessity.  

The Bad

• If you are easily offended or horrified, stay far away.  This stuff is not for the faint of heart.
• Although the majority of the film was paced extremely well, I felt some major dragging during the last 30 minutes or so.  It's really the story's fault, not the filmmakers.

Overall, this is a superb crime thriller that deserves to be seen by any fan of the genre.  If you know nothing about the books or the story, prepare to be blown away by the sheer depth of the characters and the intrigue of the plot.  Highly recommended!  

Rating- 9/10

After a brief rest, we snuck into our last movie in our festival.  What could possibly end this joyous two-day movie extravaganza?  None other than...

I've been a fan of this series of films primarily because each one, for better or worse, has its own feel.  The first one was very story oriented which I felt was very faithful to the original series.  The second one was chock full of Hong Kong style action, thanks to John Woo.  It wasn't very good, but I appreciated the attempt.  The third one decided to abandon the style and substance and shoot for a straight up action film, and it was quite successful.  Did this latest installment carve a new reputation, or do we have more of the previous versions?

The Good

• The action sequences are wonderfully staged by director Brad Bird.  Creative, nonstop and endlessly exciting, I guarantee a good time for action junkies.
• Great lead actors, especially Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg.  Paula Patton is likable and EXTREMELY attractive, and Tom Cruise is, well, Tom Cruise.  He does his own stunts and looks good when he runs.
• Some fun cameos and great humor mixed in with the breakneck action sequences.

The Bad

• If you're expecting some surprises, you'll be disappointed.  It is an action movie, complete with a predictable and insignificant story.
• The villain, played by the Muppety man Michael Nyquist, doesn't say much, has a pouch, and never really got a chance to be menacing in the least.
• I know one needs to suspend reality while watching an action movie, but there was one moment near the end that I could simply not overlook.  Really, it was RIDICULOUS!
• I usually don't mind product placement in movies, but the constant barrage of BMW got to me.

If you want a good action movie that will surely entertain, you can't go wrong with this.  Just don't expect the next Die Hard because you will be disappointed.  Take it for what it is, a fun action flick that you'll most likely forget about in a few days.  I'm in the minority here, but I still think the first one is the best!

Rating- 7/10

Thus ends the Tucker Moviepalooza.  In conclusion, I still love my wife and the movies.  Here's looking forward to another great year in film.  By the way my podcast, the Price Street Film Club (which I record with my buddy Erich), will be returning soon with brand new features, so stay tuned for some shameless plugging!