hacking

So, a Bond film directed by the chap who helmed American Beauty. It would be reasonable for us to expect a different approach, and there certainly is one. Unfortunately, there are way too many contrivances in the plot that are used to bring this about with the end result seeming haphazard and dreary. One minute we are busy in the heart of London and the next we are in the Scottish moors exploring Bond's childhood as part of an insipid climax. There is no build-up at all.

If the book wasn't bad enough for you, the movie is even worse. Avoid unless you are a fan or profess sadistic tendencies.

This movie leaves out the few things in the book that are actually interesting and leaves us with a dull hodge-podge of a film. Only watch if you're curious. I expect that the English adaptation will be far better.

The final book in the Millennium trilogy continues the story from book two. It ties up many of the loose ends, documents Lisbeth's fight in the courts, and provides closure on a few topics. However, it does this by inventing the clichéd freemason-like secret department within the secret service. This department, apparently very powerful, is also populated by idiots and the plot fails completely because of this.

But, if you liked books one and two, you can consider this book the longest epilogue ever written and enjoy it for that reason. Disappointing.

Book two in the Millennium trilogy explores Lisbeth Salander's past. While not nearly as tight as the first book, it still makes for entertaining reading. However, the background with the villain, "Zala", feels a little too contrived and the plot has a few too many holes in it. But, if you liked the first book, you'll enjoy this one too.

This book by Stieg Larsson is an entertaining mystery-thriller and something of a coming-of-age story as well. The reader is always rooting for the female protagonist, Lisbeth Salander, who is a reclusive, reticent, abused woman with hidden "superpowers". A good read without any major holes in its plot as long as you suspend a little sense of disbelief in the build-up. The setting in Sweden gives it that extra something as well.