The Social Network. Accept or Decline?

You all use it. You all click and add friends nearly every day. We all like to secretly spy on what our friends are doing. What am I talking about? If you hadn't already guessed it is the revolution of social networking. It is Facebook. One of the greatest inventions (and countless hours spent procrastinating at work, I mean what did we do before this invention) to ever be put online. Well you are not the only one who thinks this as Hollywood caught on and decided to do something about it. They knew they had to tell this story, cause it really has a lot to tell. It was not just a simple click in some computer laboratory, Facebook had many obstacles in it's way before it became the hugest thing to hit this world since the wheel. The Social Network gives the viewer a behind the scenes look from the humble beginnings to becoming a billion dollar empire. Trust me it may sound a little lame, but really it is one story you must watch. Let me begin.

In 2003, a young Harvard student named Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) a bright IT student who after creating facematch a small interweb program on the Harvard server, is head hunted by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss (played both by the one actor Armie Hammer) to create a program they have been concocting called Harvard match. A web program that lets you connect with other Harvard grads. Instead, Mark decides to create his own version and think outside of Harvard and move onto other university campuses. As he starts working on what soon will be facebook, he soon decides to not continue with the program for the boys, but tells them he can not provide what they are asking. Later that same day, Facebook comes online and quickly spreads like fire. The boys are not happy and demand vengeance, taking Mr Zuckerberg to court for copyright. But it is not only Zuckerberg taking him to court, his co-founder Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) is suing him as well for shutting him out of Facebook as co-founder from the very beginning. Confused yet. Well don't be, Zuckerberg is being sued by two parties, with both playing before our eyes on screen.

The movie flashes back between the litigation room and the events surrounding Zuckerberg's journey with Facebook. From the beginning of an idea, through to watching it grow, to hiring more staff, to expanding the business when meeting with Napstar founder Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake, yes that Justin). But it's an exciting journey and one you will need to watch to believe.

David Fincher has definitely entered a new genre. Known for his more complex thrillers (Fight Club, Seven) he has entered the world of drama and created a face paced exciting thrill ride of this engaging story. Fincher delivers solid performances from his cast and a big mention goes to all the leads. Jesse Eisenberg once again proves he is an amazing talent. Stealing the show in movies like Zombieland and The Squid And The Whale, Eisenberg is amazing as the founder of Facebook. His mannerisms, movement, and delivery of lines made me believe he really was him. This is one kid who needs to be watched and I wouldn't be surprised if come Oscar time, he was nominated. Little known actor Andrew Garfield is amazing as the co-founder. He is also one to watch. But the real surprise was Justin Timberlake. Gone are the days of the boy band and onto the days where he may actually have a bit of the acting talent to make it in Hollywood. As Sean creator of Napstar he gives his all to cast off his music days and embrace this high octane drama. But let's not forget the screenplay written by Aaron Sorkin. Without it, this movie could have been dead boring, and could have been the movie of the week. Without Sorkin's words the actors would not prove how talented they all are and how amazing this story was to tell.

My only problem with this movie (and there is only a few) is that in some parts it dragged. Not many but just a few and seeing as though the movie was two and a half hours I think that's pretty good for a movie without the world blowing up, or a car chase. My only other problem is that it just ends. You need to see what I mean but I felt that it was leading up to something, then all of a sudden anticlimax. It's hard to describe so it is best you see it and judge for yourself.

All up, The Social Network is a fantastic movie. The acting, directing and screenplay is what hold this drama together. It is a superbly done in all departments. All should be extremely proud with the final results. The Social Network is for anyone who wants a smart drama or who just wants to know how the world changed by this social networking tool. And after you can tell the world what you thought on Facebook. Remember you couldn't do that at the start of this decade. Freaky huh? 9/10