[Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIrjgFphVIc]

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Män som hatar kvinnor; acutal translation: Men who hate women): There is absolutely NO reason to wait for the David Fincher remake of this, and I say that as a fan of Fincher’s work. This Swedish adaptation of the mystery novel is perfect as is – especially in the casting. Michael Nyqvist was obviously born to play tragic journalist Mikael Blomkvist, and I can’t imagine anyone other than Noomi Rapace in the role of badass hacker chick Lisbeth Salander (the girl with the aforementioned tattoo).

But I digress – the story about a missing girl with a huge, creepy rich family juxtaposed with Blomkivst and Salander’s own stories is sharp, twisted, surprising, and deliciously dark. I definitely winced uncomfortably during a few scenes, but Director Niels Arden Oplev can do no wrong. I can’t imagine this won’t be in my top 10 list at the end of the year, and can’t stop saying good things about this film. Now’s your chance: rent it before Brad Pitt and Natalie Portman ruin it for everyone.

[Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZuiOB_f6nc]

A Single Man: I missed this the first time around, so I’m super excited that it’s now out on DVD. Fashion designer Tom Ford’s Directorial debut focuses on an English Professor in the 60s who’s devastated by the loss of his partner. A dramatic period piece starring Colin Firth (who got tons of praise for this role, including an Oscar nom) and Julianne Moore as his best friend? Oh-hell-to-the-yes. Count me in.

[Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HvQeIy0ZOY]

Pushover (1954): There’s nothing I love more than a good old-fashioned film noir, and the fact that this one is credited as Kim Novak’s first role only makes it more appealing. Fred MacMurray appears to be pulling another take on his Double Indemnity role, playing a cop instead of an insurance guy who falls for a gorgeous dame and ends up in a heap of trouble. Hey, I can’t blame the man – and I need to see this ASAP.