I went to two movies this week. The first the Swedish, subtitled GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO was terrific. I had read the book first so it was interesting to see what they elected to leave out. I had to agree with all their choices. It’s a very different casting philosophy too. The people looked like real people. Our hero was a paunchy guy in his middle forties, not a Brad Pitt. Lisbeth was interesting looking, but by no means a raving beauty. They also don’t sugar coat that she’s very strange, disturbed and violent. I really enjoyed this film, and it will be interesting to see what choices are made in the Hollywood remake.
Last night I went to see IRON MAN 2. I was very jazzed to see this film because I loved the first movie. Sad to say I found myself yawning way more than I should have. They didn’t make the usual superhero movie mistake of too many villains, but they they did the opposite. They had too many heroes.
Why was Scarlett Johanssen’s character in this movie? Other than to make fan boys weep at the sight of her in her sexy cat suit? Why was Nick Fury in this movie? Other than to bring information to the hero. Which undercut Tony Stark. I wanted Stark to solve this problem not have the answer handed to him.
Because there were so many characters that had to be serviced I felt like Stark got lost in the mix. Which meant I didn’t have time to watch a terrific actor play out his fear, fury, grief, etc. as he faced his impending death. Because they had to short change Tony Stark he just came across as an asshole in many of his scenes. If it hadn’t been RDJ in the leading role it would have been a disaster.
And finally a really girlie complaint. Why did they put Gwenth Paltrow in such high heels that she always looked in danger of falling over? For the fashionistas they were clearly Christian Louboutin’s, but she looked like an awkward giraffe in so many of her scenes.
As far as comic book movies go, I preferred KICK ASS to IRON MAN 2.
