"Dragon Tattoo" movie worth the rental

Just watched the Swedish film version of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," a faithful adaptation of the Stieg Larsson best-seller, and the first of three so-called Millenium Trilogy movies to be released in the States. The movie was released Tuesday, and the second movie in the trilogy, "The Girl Who Played With Fire," is set for release later this month.

English subtitles and dubbing are available, but I recommend the native language and English subtitles to get the full flavor of the story. Like the book, the action is fast paced. The casting is excellent, particularly Noomi Rapace in the role of Lisbeth Salander. I can't imagine any of the actresses rumored to be in the hunt for the American version coming close to Rapace's performance.

Warning: If you haven't read "Dragon Tattoo," be forewarned: the book and movie contain graphic sexual violence. But while the attacks may make some squeamish, they're a key part of the trilogy storylines.