The Social Network

Based on the development on Facebook and directed by the same director as 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' and 'Fight Club,' this is the movie of the year. If you don't know the story behind Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook don't worry about it, this movie pretty much lays it all out there for ya. "The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding Of Facebook, A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius, and Betrayal" is a good book to read before or after seeing 'The Social Network,' especially since the same writer for the book wrote the movie as well. The way the story is laid out before you is pretty smart. You'll understand that if you watch it. I'll try not to spoil it too much, I'll try my damndest.

We start with a sour end of a relationship which leads to the mixer of a 'journal' and beer, that's never a good idea. Brutal honestly mixed with emotion and beer creates a "just-for-fun" website. This website leads to a huge amount of hits in a short time, leading to controversy and hurt feelings. After the wide spread "fame" of the website, Zuckerberg has an idea that requires a specific algorithm that only one person can figure out. Long story short in the middle comes the idea of 'the facebook,' after the initial success of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg and his best friend have an encounter with a previous internet entrepreneur which ultimately has a negative effect in Zuckerberg's life. This leads to the main plot(s) of the movie and more. Hopefully I didn't spoil it too much.

The acting in this movie was phenomenal. Every bit of it was believable and felt like you were actually watching the actual events take place. I'll be honest and say that I wasn't a big fan of Jesse Eisenberg in 'Adventureland,' and was 50/50 about his role in 'Zombieland'  I also wasn't sure how well Justin Timberlake would be in the role of Napster creator .Sean Parker . I was wrong about both. These two stole the movie. Of course there are many other great actors and actresses in this movie, but the two that stand out to me the most were Jesse Eisenberg and Justin Timberlake. I'm sure my hunger for pop culture had something to do with that.

Regardless,  Eisenberg's look, characteristics, and attitude seem as if that is how the real Mark Zuckerberg carries himself in day-to-day life. Eisenberg's  quick wit, use of big words, and almost monotone responses make it seem believable that he really is the man behind Facebook.  It makes me think there is a "Mark Zuckerberg" type person in all of our circle of friends, the kind of guy that is smart, kind of funny, but lays low - not needing to be the center of attention.

On the  other side of the coin is Justin Timberlake's role as Sean Parker. We all remember using napster and how great is was, for the most part, and all the drama that ensued with the music industry, and the lawsuits that came shortly thereafter. 'The Social Network' makes Sean Parker look like a scheister, as I like to say. (Urban Dictionary definition:  someone who is a cheat, often in legal terms.) If you live under a rock and walk into this movie not knowing who Justin Timberlake is you would probably leave hating him, based on the character alone. His role as Sean Parker comes off scheming, slimy, d bag, conniving, hipster kind of guy.  Let's face it, we all know someone like this. Back to the movie - Facebook comes shortly after the fall out of Napster. Being as how Sean Parker seems to know what works are far as "internet success," he and Mark Zuckerberg end up meeting with Parker over dinner and get to know each other while Parker share all sorts of tips. Mark Zuckerberg's bff/CFO is none too happy about this, ultimately leading to one of the main story-lines of the movie.

Even if you don't have Facebook (if that's even possible) please watch this movie - and then immediately join Facebook, just don't invite me to join your mafia or ask for fertilizer. Definitely one of the best movies on 2010! I would be surprised if this movie doesn't earn multiple Oscars. Don't listen to the critics, because if movie reviews decide whether or not you will see a movie, you're going to pass on something interesting, inspirational, and an overall good film. Yes, I said "interesting" and "inspirational" - there are many definitions to each word depending on the person. I have yet to meet a person that has watched this movie and not enjoyed it. Maybe Nick Digilio, he likes weird movies. If you're skeptical, just go see it in a few weeks at during a matinee.  

The Social Network gets 4.5 stars from me.