Quick Movie Review: The Social Network (2010)

The Social Network (2010)

Bottomline: Best movie so far of 2010. Go see it. You won't regret it.

Where Can I See This Film? It's in theaters all over the country.

QMR Opinion:
Let’s face it. When it comes to the big blockbuster movies, there is really not much more that I can say that you haven’t heard already. Such is the case with The Social Network. I have not read one negative review of this film and all of the hype and raves are well deserved.

This film is ostensibly about how Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook. The reality is it’s a fairly typical American-made film that really tells the story of a young man obsessed with an idea – so much so that he is blinded to all else. He runs with a vision. He sacrifices friendships. He sacrifices relationships.

A sidenote: The film is rated PG-13. And, yes, it would have been Rated “R” a few years ago so be careful letting your younger children see this film. There is sex. There is extensive drug use and alcohol use. There’s bad language. There are hot chicks in little clothing.

One other quick note: I’m not so sure Zuckerberg comes off as bad as everyone has said. Is he insensitive? Yes. The young man had a vision that was sparked by an idea. He took this idea and created Facebook. Some of the folks got their feelings hurt along the way, but if you’re going to build a multi-billion dollar company, some folks are going to get angry. It’s just the way it is. I haven’t met a single “beloved” leader or visionary yet who did not have a detractor or two.

Here’s the quick review: This film is one of the best ones of the year – easily. It is the perfect combination of fabulous writing (Aaron Sorkin), spectacular direction (David Fincher), and great acting (Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake). It’s a fast-paced thrill ride that effortlessly combines legal drama, personal drama, the occasional humorous moment, and crackling dialog. I don’t know what else to say. Go see it. Now.

Now that we have the quick review out of the way, let me introduce you to the “friends” that make this movie so great.

David Fincher: One of the best young directors around (he’s 48 or so). His repertoire includes: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) [good movie, but too long]; Zodiac (2007) [well reviewed but I thought it was too slow]; Panic Room (2002) [Jodie Foster and Kristen Stewart hold up in a tiny room]; Fight Club (1999) [the first rule. . .]; Se7ev (1995) [I hate this movie]; and Alien3 [not the best of the Alien flicks].

Aaron Sorkin: Love his writing. Love his dialog. Sorkin is the key reason I was absolutely addicted to The West Wing, especially the early seasons. He’s also written the screenplays for Charlie Wilson’s War (2007) [good movie but worth watching for PS Hoffman’s performance]; The American President (1995) [I don’t care what your politics are. . .that last speech by Michael Douglas is freakin’ awesome. “My name is Andrew Shepherd and I am the President. . .”]; and, of course, A Few Good Men (1992) [YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!]

Jesse Eisenberg: The Social Network seals the deal for Eisenberg being one of the best young actors working today. You should rent two movies that feature this young man: Adventureland (2009) [a great movie that is ruined every time Kristen Steward walks into a scene] and Zombieland (2009) [a fabulous film that includes great performances by Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin].

Rooney Mara: Who? She plays Erica Albright in The Social Network and is the only redeemable female character in the whole movie. She is also the young actress that is generating the most buzz at the moment because she was chosen by David Fincher to portray Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Andrew Garfield: The Englishman plays Eduardo Saverin in The Social Network and has been chosen to be the next Peter Parker/Spider-Man.

Justin Timberlake: If anyone comes off looking like a complete sleaze in The Social Network it is Sean Parker, the Napster founder that is portrayed by Timberlake. Look, I pretty much thought JT was just another pop singer trying to blunder his way onto a TV or movie set. But you have to realize you’re dealing with someone who has some acting chops when they have been absolutely the most consistently funny host on Saturday Night Live in several years. Yes, Betty White was hilarious as SNL host, but she didn’t help write and produce the classic holiday anthem “D+++ in a Box” or the follow-up, “Mother Lover.” Then I saw him in a movie where he truly had to carry his own weight against Samuel L. Jackson and Christina Ricci –both of whom can be extremely intense on screen. The movie is Black Snake Moan (2006), and it illustrates Timberlake’s true acting ability. The guy’s good.