Dragon Tattoo Looks Good, Lacks Depth

She may be unknown, but she was director's first choice

(NEWSER) - After weeks of speculation, we finally know who will play The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo...and it's not Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman, or Kristen Stewart. No, the coveted role of hacker Lisbeth Salander went to relative unknown Rooney Mara, director David Fincher's first choice. Five things you should know about Mara, courtesy of the New York Daily News , Variety , E! , and Deadline :

• She beat out a lot of people: In addition to those mentioned above, Mara also reportedly bested Ellen Page, Mia Wasikowska, and Carey Mulligan.

New Yorker publishes piece early

(NEWSER) - The New Yorker has sparked the ire of Girl With the Dragon Tattoo producer Scott Rudin—with a positive review that calls the film "mesmerizing." Trouble is, the review came out early, a big no-no in an industry where timing is key. Filmmakers want their movies—especially big-ticket ones like Dragon Tattoo—reviewed at a moment that helps promote the film, notes ABC News . Critic David Denby saw the film early on the condition that he wouldn't release the review until December 13. More»

Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford can't quite save it

(NEWSER) - You’d think a movie called Cowboys and Aliens could at least hold your attention--but though the acting is good, there’s not much else to keep things interesting.

• The film is “chockfull of elements from classic oaters—a posse, a dusty round-up, saloon stand-offs—as well as monster flick staples like abductions, experiments and explosions, and still nothing very exciting happens,” writes Joe Neumaier in the New York Daily News .

Daniel Craig shines in superspy sequel but some find Bond brand too diluted

(NEWSER) - Quantum of Solace doesn't quite measure up to its predecessor, but that's because the Bond makers set the bar so high with Casino Royale, say critics. Daniel Craig returns for his second outing as the superspy, and his cold-blooded but charismatic performance ensures that his "place as the best Bond since Sean Connery remains secure," Joe Neumaier writes in the New York Daily News. More»

Movie has great special effects but little soul, critics say

(NEWSER) - Critics are mixed on The Golden Compass, praising the controversial film's special effects but complaining about a lack of engaging storytelling. "The film is dominated by computer-generated effects and they're most of its problem— they don't give us anything to emotionally attach to or invest in," wrote Paula Nechak in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. More»