Movie Review: The Social Network - Friend This Movie

Movie: The Social Network
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake
Director: David Fincher


A movie about starting a hit website sounds like it would be about as entertaining as watching paint dry. Somehow though this movie let's you in on the thrills and pitfalls of a meteoric rise. It does so with wit and charm and a little exaggeration of the truth. Just like it sounds the movie shows the creation of Facebook. It does so through three lawsuits against it's founder Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg).  It succeeds because it explores how fame and power can change everything in your life. How one big idea can take an unpopular Harvard kid and turn him into a billionaire. The movie also does well by telling the story from all different perspectives without telling you who is right and who is wrong.

Another strong point is the acting especially on the part of Jesse Eisenberg he really is very believable as the unpopular nerd who values intelligence above all else. He is socially inept which makes it all the more ironic that he would go on to create the world's largest social network.
The movie also explores the idea that power, connections, and money are the social network of the real world. As Zuckerberg's idea catches fire so does his potential to get used by others. Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake) begins to take an interest in him or more accurately in his business venture. The movie portrays the founder of Napster as irresponsible manipulator who weasels his way into Zuckerberg's inner circle. His original partner and only real friend Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) is pushed to the side.

The movie moves at a fast pace which allows you to forget about it's faults and focus on it's strengths. It never slows down long enough to let the audience question whether or not these characters have been exaggerated. Which I'm sure they have but that is what makes the movie interesting and allows it to explore the ideas it aims to. It also helps that the acting is top notch which makes the story all the more believable.  I would have never thought that this would be a good movie idea but it is executed so perfectly that delivers on everything it promises. You can buy The Social Network on DVD or Blu-ray from our store.