The Social Network: Movie Review

Once in awhile, there are life changing inventions that completely obliterate how we live our lives. Electricity, cars, televisions, planes and computers are just some examples of these. In the online world, the same principle is seen. Before Google, search was tedious and cumbersome. Before Instant Messengers, online chatting was not as user-friendly and straight-forward as it is now. Facebook is one of these inventions. It defines and leads the pack when it comes to social network and social media and you are probably crazy to think this is not true. "The Social Network" tries to capture the amazing journey of one Harvard student and his journey into creating the latest and greatest online invention. Can "The Social Network" be as interesting and captivating as Facebook? Read on to find out what we think.

In 2003, Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) gets an idea to create FaceMash, a website that lets users rate the attractiveness of random Harvard girls against each other. The site becomes an instant hit and Mark is instantly suspended for six months when it crashes the university's network. The brothers Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, star athletes for Harvard's rowing team, are instantly interested in getting Mark due to FaceMash's notoriety and success. They want him to help them develop Harvard Connection. Mark joins but is instantly disinterested with Harvard Connect - in fact, he decides to create his own social network tool with "Thefacebook". When his site goes lives and is an instant hit, Mark and his perilous journey into becoming one of the most successful men in the world begins. What challenges await Mark and "Thefacebook"?

"The Social Network" is clearly a tour-de-force film that is worthy enough to show the beginnings of Facebook. What we really liked about "The Social Network" is its presentation. The pacing of the story was flawless and the scenes convey the perfect emotions. The acting was believable too especially Jesse Eisenberg playing as the founder of Facebook. The only downside we see with "The Social Network" is its believability. It's so amazing how all things tie up with each other at the perfect moment, at the right time that it borders fiction. The film also shows Mark Zuckerberg in a bad light - now we understand why he won't endorse the film or the book. Overall, we do 'like' "The Social Network" and we would be surprised that you wouldn't. It not only shows the possible tumultuous story of Facebook but it also serves as an inspiration to how we can all change the world with a simple idea and the spirit to take risks.

Rating: 4 and a half reels





Why you should watch it:
- truly inspiring, truly dramatic
- perfect acting from Jesse Eisenberg and the supporting cast
- deserves to be the film that details the founding of one of the biggest things man has ever seen

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- story might be too fictitious for some
- if you are Mark Zuckerberg