As a mom of two small kids, I usually don’t have too much opportunity to go to the movies. Luckily for me there is about 8 RedBox centers within 10 miles of my house. If you haven’t heard of RedBox yet, you are missing out. It is simply the best way to rent DVDs overnight via ordering through the computer (and picking up at the center) or just going to the RedBox and picking out your movie. For a little over $1.00 for a rental fee, you simply can’t go wrong! We use it all the time. This week we decided to go with renting The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo. We ordered it online and then went to the RedBox to pick it up. It was so simple!
I was pretty excited to for my date night with my husband and to rent The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I have read all three of Stieg Larson’s novels, with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo being the first that I have ever read. I flew through the book and was bouncing off my seat to see the movie. My husband had not read the book previously, so I was very excited to see his reaction – oh how he would like the movie. He always gives me a hard time about renting movies as he thinks I only pick out chick flicks. I assured him that this was no chick flick but he had his doubts, as he does everytime I pick a movie.
In order to prepare for our date night, I decided to go to Walmart and pick out some easy Tyson chicken nuggets and chicken tenderloins.
I wanted something easy as this week was an arduous week and the last thing I wanted to do was spend hours in the kitchen. So, together we made a meal of delicious fruits and chicken, completed with mommy/daddy beverages. We served the kids a similar meal earlier, minus the adult beverages. It was easy to make a whole family meal. It turned out delicious and we were then ready to start our movie.
Before I begin to tell you about how I liked the movie, I would be remiss if I didn’t get you some information about the movie. The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo is the English adaption of Stieg Larson’s first novel based on the same name.
It follows the story of Mikael Blomkvist, who is played by the wonderful Daniel Craig, as he goes about a long investigation of Henrik Vanger, played by Christoper Plummer, in the disappearance of his niece from 40 years prior. In this investigation, he hires the world’s best computer hacker, Lisbeth Salander, played by the incredible Rooney Mara, to aid in him in this investigation. Lisbeth is a heavily tattoed, pierced counterpart that helps Mikael win and uncover what ended-up happening to his niece from 40 years ago, along with delving into the corrupt life of the Vanger family in question.
When I first heard about who was the director of this movie, the unfathomable David Fincher, I knew that this movie would be fantastic. Social Network and Fight Club were two of my favorites movies and both were directed by David Fincher. While I was excited when I first heard that the movie was in production, I was ecstatic when I heard David Fincher was directing! This movie has a stellar cast including some high profile actors: Daniel Craig (Mikael Blomkvist), Rooney Mara (Lisbeth Salander), Christopher Plummer (Henrik Vanger), Stellan Skarsgard (Martin Vanger), Robin Wright (Erika Berger), Joely Richardson (Anita Vanger), Goran Visnjic (Dragan Armansky) to name a few rounding out the over 80 actors in this movie.
While I feel that Daniel Craig did a phenomenal job being cast as Mikael, I really thought the star of the show was Rooney Mara. If you did not know, Rooney Mara played the girlfriend of Jessie Eisenberg’s character in a small but pivotal breakout role in The Social Network. I can assure you that I had no idea when I watched The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo that she can possibly have had this role. She looked and acted COMPLETELY DIFFERENT! She absolutely rocked the role of Lisbeth in The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo. She was so good that she was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress for her performance. Sadly, she lost, but in my books, she would have won. She was tantalizing to watch her performance. She was fearless..She was captivating..She was mesmerizing to watch on screen.
This movie was not good…it was fantastic! In my opinion, it should have been won best picture but that was out of my hands. My couch rating of this movie with 5 being the highest, is an obvious 5. My husband rated it a 4, only because it is somewhat difficult to follow in the beginning if you have no basis of the book previously. However, after about 45 minutes in, he really loved it and we were both on the edge of our seats. I will warn you this movie is rated R and definitely should not be seen by my kids. There are some really harsh scenes in this movie, one the most intense scenes being a graphic rape scene. I will say that the book makes this scene worse than the movie but it is still hard to watch. It is an complex and captivating thriller that you do not want to miss! As I was watching this movie, I had to go to the bathroom so badly and even though we could have stopped the movie, I just couldn’t. My husband and I were glued to the screen! If you haven’t seen this movie, run to your nearest RedBox and rent this movie. You will be so glad you did. RedBox also has some movie promotions and discounts so be sure to check out their Facebook and Twitter Pages. For more of my shopping experience at RedBox, check out my google plus story.
- This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias. All my opinions are my own and not swayed by outside sources.
Awesome job! Nice review and GREAT pics! Nice and large!! Way to go!
Sounds like you had a great night. We don’t get out either because our son has special needs. Looks like a great movie.
I LOVE Redbox, it makes renting movies sooo easy, and I agree with this movie review, it was fantastic! Thanks for a great post!
I really need to read the book so I can see the movie.
We don’t go to the movies much anymore – too expensive! – so we just hit up Redbox once every couple weeks to watch a new release. It’s so convenient. I have been wanting to see The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo!
I haven’t watched the English version of the movie but I LOVED the Swedish version. The books are fantastic as well. I was sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time!
The nuggets and fruit look yummy!
Nice review. I need to see the new version. I saw the Swedish version but haven’t seen this one. I read all the books too. You make me want some Tyson nuggets now
I love a simple night in like you had. Great idea about the redbox. We have them all over the place here.
great review! I wanted to see this movie- def have to redbox it now… I love redbox! haha
Sounds like a good date night! I loved the book and I can not wait to see the movie. We are planning on renting it this week
I’m glad you were able to have a great date night with your husband. I haven’t read these books yet. I have them but haven’t got to them yet.
I will have to fix that soon.
Nice review and RedBox is definitely SO handy! I always seem to forget to return them in one day though and we have a hard time watching a movie in one day, but still love it
Thanks!
I had been wondering about this movie, thanks for the awesome review, and the snacks look yummy
Looks like you had a nice at home date night. I have never rented a movie from a machine before just something about it I guess I feel weird about.
Fun looking dinner! A rainbow of fruit and chicken nuggets pretty sure there was no complaining about that dinner.
We love Redbox too!! I haven’t seen this movie yet, but I have to…soon!!
Great review!!! I was really looking forward to renting this movie, now I think I’ll copy your idea, meal, movie – Date night
Confession – I love Tyson chicken nuggets. I eat them more often than I should.
I agree with your husband, 4 stars because the beginning is a bit confusing if you hadn’t read the book. My husband & I watched it this weekend. He’d already read it, so I think he probably enjoyed it more. I do want to read the book now. The story was fantastic, as was the acting!
Great pics! I was so afraid of it being too scary!!
Redbox is our favorite way to rent a new release movie.
I just rented it this weekend too! Loved the books…and I have to agree with you the movie was dead on and great! The actress who did play Lisbeth did a superb job…I was really impressed!
I think redbox is so fun.. SO much better than going to the store!
What a fun date night! My hubby and I need to do something like this more often. Sounds like a great movie!
Sounds like a great night! I love Redbox, and your dinner looked delicious!
I have yet to see this movie, I really want to though. Sounds like you had a great evening
Awww, what a great night! And so creative with the chicken nuggets and fruit set-up, hahaha! I love it. I haven’t read the book yet, and have a policy of “no movie before I’ve read the book.” SO I think I might add it to my list.
-Megan
xoxo
Great review! You made me want to see this movie – and I don’t usually watch thrillers.
great review–and i like your mommy/daddy dinner. Thanks!
I loved the movie! I told my hubby he needs to see it. I loved it so much I’m willing to sit through it again. And this reminded me I need to get rid of Netflix and start using RedBox more =) Wonderful review! ps. totally going to check out Rooney Mara in The Social Network. I never even noticed!
hi hopping over with the drop it like its hot hop
I am always behind the curve. I am just now reading the book & then want to see the movie. Makes me anxious to finish!! I am having a giveaway pop by if you like!
Sounds like a goodnight with the hubs! My husband and I enjoyed the movie, great review
I love those books. Have them all on my Kindle. We haven’t seen the movie yet, but I’ll have to go rent it now that I know its at Redbox! Great job!
I really want to see this movie.