"The Social Network" just might be the best film of 2010!

Rating: 9/10 (5 October 2010)

"The Social Network" tells the story of Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), who at this point is known to the world as the guy who invented (or stole based on who you talk to) Facebook. "The Social Network" is an interesting take on the story as it doesn't really give any concrete evidence of whether or not Zuckerberg stole the idea for Facebook or had the idea all along and just needed the push from the Winklevoss's to get it going. The movie not only focuses on Zuckerberg but also on the sites co-founder Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) and Napster creator Sean Parker played by Justin Timberlake. This movie while it doesn't feature any amazing special effects or any breathtaking animation, it does feature the best acting I have seen in a film all year, not to mention probably the only film that has a more interesting story than "Inception."
Despite what people have been saying about 2010 being a bad year for movies, I have to disagree. I have given four films a solid 9 rating, with "The Social Network" being the highest 9 of the bunch. The story alone of Mark Zuckerberg is fascinating but there is just something about David Fincher's vision of this story that made this movie something out of the ordinary. Maybe its the pure fact that Fincher decided to hire a cast of mainly unknowns to the mainstream film world to star in the movie. I knew most of the actors before seeing the film but than again I am a film buff, who loves independent film making. Fincher made a bold move casting unknown leads to play in a film about Facebook because this could have caused the film to flop but not with Fincher. He not only knows how to direct films but market them as well.
The cast as I mentioned above is superb! Jesse Eisenberg may actually earn his first Oscar for his performance as Mark Zuckerberg. The role seemed to be tailor made for him. He seemed sincere and really fit the original Mark Zuckerberg's shoes. Even the outfits he wore in the film were similar to those that the real Zuckerberg has wore. I always been a fan of Eisenberg and always labeled him as an underrated and under appreciated actor. He has had several solid roles before this film including "Adventureland," "Squid and the Whale," and "Zombieland" but "Social Network" will mark the film to put him on the map. He hopefully will be featured in more roles now!
As for the other lead roles, Andrew Garfield, who is set to be the new Spider-Man, was terrific as Eduardo Saverin. He was emotionally charged and just perfect in the role. Timberlake, was everything you expected him to be. He played the smooth talking and ultra cool Sean Parker like a pro! Its odd to see a film feature so many actors who seem so perfect for their roles. I also have to give Rooney Mara a little bit of credit here. While Mara wasn't in the film for very long, she definitely makes a mark in this film. Having met Mara in real life and seeing some of her other work, I was wondering when she was going to be put in a film that would exhibit her talent. "The Social Network" doesn't really feature much of Mara but gives her a chance to prove she deserves better than "Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Tanner Hall."
I must give some credit to Aaron Sorkin, who was the writer on the film. Now remember folks, this movie was based on a true story but also based on a book by Ben Mezrich. Sorkin proves that he is not only a great writer but great at adapting a book to film. Books to movie translations don't normally spell Oscar but in this case it does. Sorkin's script was powerful, interesting, funny, and thought provoking. Fincher and Sorkin is a match made in heaven for the film world.
In the end, "The Social Network" is hands down the best film of the year so far. I definitely predict this film getting a lot of Oscar Buzz and being one of those films that will get a lot of nominations. The film is a near perfect masterpiece. It is brilliantly acted and the story is fascinating. When you add Sorkin's witty sense of humor in with the amazing story and Fincher's vision and eye for excellent casting, I don't think you could ask for a much better film. "The Social Network" is the must see film of the year and should be seen by everyone. This is probably one of those rare films that people from the ages of 15 to 85 could really appreciate.
MovieManMenzel's final rating for "The Social Network" is a high 9 out of 10. This is definitely the years must see film!