THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET”S NEST 3.0***




Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) is back in "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest", the third and final installment of the late Swedish author Stieg Larsson's trilogy. The first two were the "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" and "The Girl Who Played With Fire". But don't worry too much if you didn't see the first two films. There is a quick intro at the beginning that helps… but admittedly it is much better if you seen or read the first two.

The movie starts with Lisbeth is in the hospital, in critical condition. But there is little doubt for those who have come to know her fascinating character that nothing short of death itself can stop our tiny, but powerful, typhoon of a woman. Not only is she battling for her life from severe gunshot wounds, including one to her head, but also even if she recovers, she is going to trial for the attempted murder of her horribly abusive father. Once again, her only ally is journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist). But we've seen them team up twice before, and despite some hefty obstacles, they stand a good chance against bad odds.

Aside from the recovery time in the hospital, much of the film focuses on the ins and outs of the law and we’re talking about “Swedish” law which is much different from American law. The rest and best part of the film tales place in the court room and manages to not only keep your interest, but also be incredibly engaging. Maybe it's because everything comes together from the first two films This is not to say that “Hornet’s Nest” is as good as the first of the series..”The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” .” There’s nothing like novelty to evoke special interest. Once you’ve marveled at the punk-Mohawk-haired-biker-clothed character of the lead girl, Lisbeth Salander, and her unbelievable physical and mental skills, you know you’ve seen something/someone completely new and original on the screen. But after those initial marvelous moments of discovery, and with time, the novelty wears off and you become somewhat accustomed to even this very unique character.

All in all, “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest” is both a fitting end to and a last hurrah for a brilliant trilogy of first the 3 books and then the 3 Swedish films.

Clark