It seems like ages since the last time Ive been on my blog. Quick look at my history it looks I have been absent for more then a month with is bad upkeep on my behalf. Instead of playing catch up on films that Ive watched in the last month and write reviews for those I am just going to start fresh with the last film I saw. That film was the great David Fincher’s The Social Network.
Let me get this right out of the gate, The social Network is a good and smart film that was well made and contains some great performances and some great special effects that at the time of viewing was unaware of. The thing is that this film is based on a book called the Accidental Billionaires in which I read not because I was interested in the creation of Facebook, but because it was going to be the next film of one of my favorite directors David Fincher (Se7en, Fight Club). So all of the interesting tid bits about the rise of the billion dollar company was known going into this film. The book I found that it was a good read and keep me turning the pages but in the end I found that the story just didn’t totally grab me. With the film I found it to be more engaging then the book but by just a little bit.
The events that happen through the “based on a true story” are all pretty familiar. Which isn’t a problem because it is told freshly through the character of co-founder of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg who was played fantastically by Jesse Eisenberg (Zombieland). Which brings me to the reason I felt the movie is better then the book which is the great cast under the supervision of David Fincher. Andrew Garfield aka the new Spider-Man/Peter Parker plays Eduardo Saverin sells the betrayal (although it is partly his fault) at the hands of his friend and partner in the creation of Facebook Mark. Man if you don’t have a crush or man-crush on Justin Timberlake, this should change you mind about him. He absolutely kills the role of Sean Parker creator of Napster. One note worthy performance is by Armie Hammer who has a dual role (in a special effect that is so seamless I thought they actually hired twins) as Winklevoss twins that are suing Mark and Facebook for stealing their idea of and exclusive social network.
The writing by Aaron Sorkin (A Few Good Men) is smartly written and the at this point can you question the skills that David Fincher has? The answer is an emphatic NO. The acting is just right from extras to supporting to the stars of the film. Why didn’t I like it anymore then I do? I have no idea then the fact that I am dumb for not loving it because I have no reason. The book is a great read and the movie is a great watch.
you can check out my book review of 09 that contains a short write up on the Accidental Billionaires HERE
