Movie Review: "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo"

What a thrilling ride! The recent box-office hit and English remake of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo will leave you wanting more. Good thing it is a sequel because this hit has definitely exceeded expectations after following the 2009 Swedish version and the initial book written by Stieg Larsson. Director, David Fincher casts Rooney Mara as the punk dressing loner, and computer hacker Lisbeth Salander. This character was a big step up from Mara's last role as Erica Albright, the ex-girlfriend to Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network (2010). Mara went through 2 1/2 months of intense auditioning to take on this role of Salander. You probably wouldn't even recognize her before and after makeup. She got her hair chopped off, dyed black, eyebrows bleached, tattooed, and pierced. These are just a few of the physical transformations Mara went through in order to prepare her character for the huge emotional roller coaster the film demanded from her. Mara dives headfirst into this lead role with other greats like, Christopher Plummer, Daniel Craig, Robin Wright, and Stellan Skarsgard.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo IMDB site

Daniel Craig plays Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist researching a 40 year old case about a missing woman from a small island community in Sweden. Blomkvist works for Henrik Vanger, a wealthy businessman who is played by Christopher Plummer. He is determined to find out where his niece disappeared to 40 years ago. Vanger hosts Blomkvist on his property only to realize that his family is a messed up bunch with a past that is far more strung out than Salander herself. Salander is hired as Blomkvist's assistant and soon finds herself in the middle of a research case with a history of murders involving rape, violence and religion.

This film is rated R and is nothing short of that label. There are graphic scenes in this movie involving rape, nudity, and violence that will make you wince. There is enough mystery and wonder that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And the action and romance creates variety and excitement.
My only qualm with the movie is that it is in English. Rightly so there was already a Swedish version made with English subtitles, but I am one who does not like watching a film made in a foreign country with news reporters and characters speaking English. It doesn't make sense. Although there is no way this film could have been filmed in the U.S. The entrapment and darkness of winter in Scandinavia creates a perfect setting for this film.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this movie. The acting was flawless and this Oscar worthy film is a must see. I rate this 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The Joy of Knitting

 Yarn and knitting needles are often times associated with old ladies rocking in their rocking chairs. Well I am here to tell you that knitting has become popular with people of all ages. After living in Norway for a year I became an avid knitter. During those long dark days of Norwegian winter students at my school would knit. It became almost impossible to not follow the trend so I walk to the local knitting store purchased my first yarn and needles. It was as though I was living in a school of knitting professionals. Young people, my friends, were knitting Norwegian patterned sweater, mittens, hats, socks, and scarfs while talking and watching TV. Everywhere I went someone was knitting. I was so amazed and I knew that I had the whole winter here so I might as well start this wonderful mind-numbing pastime.

Knitting is a simple repetition of stitches or loops within loops within loops of yarn using needles. It becomes more meticulous when you try different sizes of yarn or needles, different patterns or styles which gives the product a certain weight, texture, or color. I recommend starting with a hot pad or scarf, things that have straight patterns and simple stitching. The first thing I have made was a green and white scarf. I had to start it over 5 or 6 times because it was so messed up. Once I got the hang of it and got in a rhythm it was became natural. It turned out to be a beautiful straight green and white scarf that I still wear today.
That Christmas my whole family got presents homemade and knitted by me! My new favorite thing to make and sell are headbands with decorated flowers and different fits, designs, and colors.

Check em' out!

Plus I added a great intro video teaching the basics of knitting. Enjoy!
How to Knit - The Basics

The thrill of climbing

When I was a kid I remember wanting to climb anything and everything. At my sister's softball games I would climb the metal backstop. I remember getting in trouble at my family's Christmas for climbing my aunt and uncle's tall wooden staircase... eventually getting stuck and needing help getting down. I was and probably will always be a 'tomboy' (in other words a girl who exhibits activities that are often characteristic of a boy - Wikipedia) hmmm... I was proud to be a tomboy. I played everything from soccer, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and softball and have always been extremely competitive in sports and life. After graduating from college and having a successful collegiate soccer career I found myself yearning for something to participate in and more importantly find something to do in order to stay active and in shape.

Climbing in New Zealand

Rock climbing has always been something I enjoyed. I had climbed various times while traveling in Norway, New Zealand and working a 30 foot climbing wall at my summer job in high school. I was determined to get back into climbing. My boyfriend at the time (now my fiance) purchased my first pair of climbing shoes and harness and I was set. Now I needed to find someone to climb with. I took a 7 week basic climbing course at my college and was really excited to challenge myself once moving to the Cities. I started working for The North Face Store and was motivated to explore the climbing scene in Minneapolis and St. Paul. John (my fiance) eventually gave in to my passion and bought his shoes and harness and we went to the gym together.

Australian Repelling in Norway

The thrill of climbing comes when you can overcome the mental challenges you mind plays with you and the physical demands and fears involved in conquering a move or a route. It's exhilarating to work on a route for a few days and finally be able to reach the top. Once you can get past the initial soreness that comes with climbing in the back, the forearms, the fingers, and the hand calluses it's exciting to push yourself. There is always a harder route or a bigger challenge.

Edmund Hillary, Everest first ascent climber said, "You climb for the hell of it". You climb because it's there.... it's a physical and mental challenge. Like climbing as in life, you fall, get back up and keep trying until you reach the top!

Climbing at Veritical Endeavors in St. Paul