I did find it interesting, having read the book, that Zaillian cut out an entire subplot (the affair between Cecilia and Blomkvist) but it didn't feel anything was missing. Two love interests are more than enough. The changed ending works fine too. Note: I saw it in the UK clocking at 158 mins, not 152. I wonder, did we get an extra 6 mins or is it just a simple misprint?