The Social Network

On a fall night in 2003, Harvard undergrad and computer programming genius Mark Zuckerberg sits down at his computer and heatedly begins working on a new idea. In a fury of blogging and programming, what begins in his dorm room soon becomes a global social network and a revolution in communication. A mere six years and 500 million friends later, Mark Zuckerberg is the youngest billionaire in history... but for this entrepreneur, success leads to both personal and legal complications. -Columbia Picures

This is a movie that is very clear cut and to the point. And please don't be confused in thinking this movie is about "Facebook", that is really a very small percentage.What can say about this film in two words or less...Awesome Script! Watching this movie takes on a whirlwind journey. One has to admire the direction of this film, because it could have easily gone into the direction of just being a movie about Facebook, instead it took a deeper perspective. The fast, rapid pace of the dialogue is definitely a highlight of the film, one could say its the glue that holds everything together.

Director David Fincher also does a great job keeping the audience captivated with a roller coaster ride of a film. There is no denying the film's opening argument between two characters pretty much is the best scene stealer of the year. A good friend of mine said it best "The Social Network is a perfectly crafted biography of how technology and money can destroy a rooted friendship"- this amongst many other messages is portrayed in this film. After watching this movie, one can't help but to think how did they make a movie about the founding of one if not the largest social networking site. Well it was a brilliant idea!You will come in with one perception and leave out with another. The film not only provides us with a great storyline, but superb cinematography, great direction, and a musical score perfectly made just for this film. As a viewer you get sucked into each scene, wondering what could possibly come next.

The fact that the film showcase a very interesting and eclectic cast of young actors speaks volumes in the fact that Fincher could have used several big names, but I think that would have taken away the charm of the film. stepping out of their comfort zones and delivering some truly phenomenal work. Having Jesse Eisenberg portray Mark Zuckerburg was a genuis of an idea, simply put he nailed this role. You can't help but have this 'love-hate' feeling for him. And Andrew Garfield who plays Eduardo Saverin, is the calm before the storm which reveals his true raw talent. You empathize with him and at the same time feel sorry for them too. Garfield is so beliveable its bound to be noticed by the Academy in some sort of fashion. Lest I not forget Justin Timberlake who played the role of the slightly paranoid and delusional Napster founder Sean Packer  so well that I forgot about the fact that he is a pop star. And even though her role is small Rashida is quite poignant, in the fact that she says the perfect words of what people from the outside are really thinking. All in all, this is the best cast for their roles...job well done!

Greed, Friendship, Betrayal, and Loyalty are the essential components that make up this film. Many have even gone to say that "this is probably the closest modern version of Citizen Kane that we will ever get in a long time." It shocks you with everthing that it can muster up, hoping to not disappoint you in the end. It doesn't take much to pull off a great film, and The Social Network is a great example of that from beginning to end. Even if you are not a Facebook user this is still a definite MUST-SEE movie!

Stars: 4 out 4 stars