Computer guys the new Rock Stars

Rating: 10/10 (13 October 2010)

There will probably be a surge in computer science majors as we witness youthful, tech savvy, nerdy types emerge as the new rock stars of the 21st century. Their computer ingenuity and creativity lead them to fame, fortune and even groupies.
A character study about someone who becomes a billionaire in his twenties is expertly blended with subject matter that is so relevant to our times results in one of the greatest movies of the past decade. The filmmakers and actors created such a believable Zuckerberg with such human emotions and motivations that we totally connect to this all too familiar, idiosyncratic, "smuggy nerd" who fascinatingly becomes one of the billionaire rock stars of the information age. He is mentored by fellow internet rock star, Napster founder played by Timberlake. The subject matter of the business and legal ramifications of conjuring an online site raises interesting philosophical questions. Questions such as, who is really deserving; someone that comes up with the idea or the creator themselves, and how deserving is a confounder who plays a small financial role at the onset but who was nothing to do with the creative drive. These are some of the questions that will make the audience think about these contemporary issues.
The dialogue written in a way where characters go tit for tat at unnaturally supersonic speeds was a throwback to Carey Grant classics, however, the modern edge and relevancy makes it engrossing, and ears will be fully opened to the intense verbiage.
Amusingly tells the story of facebook founder's development and initial success with the site. Much of what he did in the initial founding years created controversy amongst those somewhat connected to the site and those wanting a piece of the pie. Two major legal disputes ensue and the film is structured through depositions dealing with these disputers. The haughty and annoyed Zuckerberg is visibly put off by these minor encumbrances and is seething to get back to his passion and baby (facebook). We hear of new controversies during the depositions and we see the flashbacks to the college years where these controversies got started which is a major part of the saga of the spawning and growth of facebook. The tad Gothic and moody atmosphere with the highly sensationalized decadence gives an entertaining if a little over the top feel to the collegiate setting.
The movie opens and wraps up perfectly with a speculative, witty theme of the human component that creates the drive and motivation for these youthful internet entrepreneurs.