Fantastic Mr. Fox

status: 2009; on dvd
rating: (an unexpected) * * * * (4 out of 5 stars)

I held off from watching this until now, despite my love for Wes Anderson, because of it's seemingly lame, family-friendly nature. I can honestly say that I should not doubt Wes Anderson's brilliant visions. Starring the voices of many familiar faces from Wes' body of work (plus the infamous George Clooney), Fantastic Mr. Fox has everything that makes a movie a joy to behold.

Using the platform of being a PG movie and still making it very funny/witty for adults is no easy task. Wes replacing swears with "cuss" is a good example. Also, the style in which the film is presented is beautiful. I was admittedly unsure if I would enjoy this, but the stop-motion animation was great.

Bottom line, say to yourself "What the Cuss?!" and watch Fantastic Mr. Fox to see for yourself.

The Girl Who Played with Fire

status: released in Sweden in 2009; in select theaters
rating: * * * * (4 out of 5)

In the sequel to "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", we follow our goth heroine on a much more aggressive road. Lisbeth gets framed for three murders and one of the only people that believe she is innocent, Blomkvist, cannot find her. She's been traveling abroad, but keeping tabs on certain people.

The story unravels more of her past in a bit of a Jason Bourne way. You see snippets of her tortured past in her dreams. This movie follows Lisbeth a bit more closely, seeing that she is being hunted. The performances by Noomi and Michael are still just as powerful and fierce as its predecessor. I am definitely looking forward to this tale's conclusion.