The Social Network (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital SteelBook)

a fantastic movie about the creation of Facebook as well as the characters and legal/political modifications of our culture that took place in the early 2000s and beyond where Mark Zuckerberg found his calling to create a new reality in American culture. Must see movie to educate your family on The development of the social network phenomenon.

An amazing movie. Packaging was prefect.

When `The Social Network' sweeps the Oscars (which it, inevitably, is going to do) it will be the first time since 1984 when Oscars Best Picture winner will match up with the film I deem to be the best of the given year (for those interested, 1984 was when `Amadeus' took the gold; and if you haven't seen it then you MUST IMMEDIATELY). The fact remains that `The Social Network' is not only the best reviewed film of the year, it is the best reviewed film of the past decade, and while I don't think it deserves that title (I am completely in `Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind's camp for `Film of the Aughts') it would certainly be the Academy's best choice in YEARS.Like I've said to nearly every single person I've talked to; BELIEVE THE HYPE!I have a strange feeling there is going to be lots of YELLING in this review...In determining the best way to go about attempting to write a review for this film, I basically decided that it was best to just do it in pieces, master `pieces'. In other words; I'm just going to throw out my current thoughts in random order and hope it all fits together nicely. Contemplating a decisive and cohesive review for this film just seems wrong to me. My extreme excitement for this film has me all sorts of giddy and so that seems like the perfect template for dissecting the films utter greatness.The first master `piece' comes at the film's outset; a masterfully crafted opening sequence that utilizes cold stares and quick witted dialog to establish character persona and eventual developments. It is the single best opening sequence I've seen on film in a long time (I think I mentioned this fact while highlighting the brilliance that was `Inglorious Basterds' opening moments). The sparring between Rooney Mara and Jesse Eisenberg was FLAWLESS and really set the perfect tone for Fincher's finest film.SPEAKING ON TONE; what Fincher does here is just incredible. The way he creates something so dark and complex and fascinatingly enticing out of what could have been nothing more than a conventional `teen flick' is beyond commendable.HAND HIM THE OSCAR!Seriously, there is not a false note here. The film moves at the desired pace, never lagging but knowing not to move too quickly so as to skip over necessary plot points and character arcs. By breaking moments down with ease, Fincher elaborates on his character's inner monologue with keen insight and a sharpness that keeps the film very `cool' and `likable'; which is a feat to accomplish when your main protagonist is not very likable or cool.But then again, who needs to be cool when you are Jesse Eisenberg or Andrew Garfield or Armie Hammer or Justin Timberlake...or really anyone in the cast?Yes, a major master `piece' here is the flawless cast, all of whom handle their respective roles with enough concentrated naturalism to balance out the youthful arrogance and otherworldly naivety to create honest portraits of American youth. With a smug sense of arrogance that never once betrays his peering honesty; Eisenberg understands how to carry this film, making Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg nearly sympathetic. He is never fully justified in his naivety, but he is (in a way) forgiven thanks to the self-loathing with which Eisenberg layers his character's shell. He is pathetically jealous and painstakingly ambitious, but his actions never feel evil or malicious because Eisenberg breathes a very real life into his eyes and makes this man less a monster and more a human being. Justin Timberlake reeks of charisma, which is expected, and it is more than enough to establish his take on Sean Parker to be noteworthy and effective. Armie Hammer takes on two characters, twins, and evokes separate when complementary personalities to each; which is a marvelous feat (I honestly thought he was played by TWO actors, he was that detailed in each approach). For me though, the star of the show is easily Andrew Garfield. The way he layers Eduardo Saverin, Zuckerberg's (former) best friend, is stunningly effective and poignant. He always decidedly supporting, giving heft to Eisenberg as the true start, but he makes the most of his moments and underscores the films more central themes.Which brings me back to Fincher. Like I said; I'm shooting this off as it pops into my head. When considering the directorial masterclass that Fincher showed up with here, I'm just astonished (and his Oscar win will be my absolute FAVORITE of the evening). Creating a mood and setting a tone is one thing, but the most important thing a director can do is add texture to that mood, and Fincher does that in spades. The way he uses imagery to propel the central themes of the film is also another astonishing trick that further imbeds the films core into the mind of the audience without browbeating us with a `message'. It creates an air of simplicity within a world of complexities.It feels effortless.One of my friends even likened the films `rowing' sequence, which almost feels like a scene from a different film (cut, paste, celebrate), to Spielberg's opening sequence in `Saving Private Ryan', and while I'm not quick to personally make the connection; I can see the reasoning behind his comparison. Fincher understood how to parallel the films central themes of power, ambition, loyalty, failure and vengeance with the actual `goings on' surrounding the film without making them so obvious they feel manipulated.EFFORTLESS.And now my mind is racing over to the films brilliant use of cinematography; which also causes me to think about the effective use of (or non-use of) lighting; all of which added layers to the films tone.And that score; O.M.G.Knowing that I really need to start wrapping this up is killing me. SO MUCH TO SAY SO MUCH TO SAY, but alas, I will try and close this up like so; this movie is far more than you'd expect. Yes, this a movie about Facebook and how it was launched and how it took a devastating toll on a friendship and, in effect, on a person, but understanding how easily it would have been to completely mess this thing up is something to keep close in mind, and something that will help elevate appreciation for what Fincher (and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin) did here.GREEDPOWERAMBITIONLUSTJEALOUSYPASSIONFAILURESUCCESSIt's all there, bursting through the surface.

"The Social Network" pushes boundaries between communication, both good and bad -- right and wrong -- light and dark. Some stories about corruption are sometimes poorly executed, but "Network" does not skimp on the amazing story about how two friends became enemies, over a little thing called Facebook.Mark Zuckerberg -- menace, geek, traitor (well, at least according to the DVD cover) -- is in Harvard; yes, he's trying to come up with the next big idea, but he can't. He doesn't have a lot of friends, he's arrogant, single, and his ego is as big as the Sun and Moon combined. This, unfortunately, slows down his momentum. However, one night, when intoxicated and recently dumped, Zuck creates a website dedicated to Erica Albright (his ex), comparing her and other girls on a hotness ratio. Not only does he embarrasses her through Facemash.com (the comparision site), he ruins her reputation at her college by calling her a 'bitch' on his popular blog, in addition to correcting her bra size and her family name.See how vindictive boys can be? But Mark doesn't stop there!With the help from a few of his programming friends and his best mate Eduardo Saverin, he creates theFacebook, a site dedicated to Harvard students who are looking to connect with their peers easier.But wait, there's more! Not only did Mark steal the idea from three other students at Harvard -- who wanted to help him restore his new-found badass image with Facemash.com by helping them with Harvard Connection (a dating site for Harvard students) -- he also dupes his friend Eduardo into helping him expand the site. Not only does Mark expand, he begins to piss a lot of people off, including Eduardo, who has his own plans for Facebook.Brilliant movie, excellent cast, terrific score, awesome cinematography. Not only does "The Social Network" pushes buttons, it shows you how some things in life aren't fair -- at all. So you must fight the battle that comes along with it.Starring Jesse Eisenberg as Mark, Andrew Garfield as Eduardo, Justin Timberlake as Sean, Brenda Song as Christie, Armie Hammer as Cameron and Tyler, Max Minghella as Divya, Rashida Jones as Marylin, Joseph Mazzello as Dustin, and Rooney Mara as Erica.The film won three Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Film Editing."You don't get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies."

The Social Network is a fascinating and intense look at how Facebook was created. The story is smart, fast-paced, and full of emotion. The acting is excellent, especially Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg, he perfectly captures the complexity of the character.The script is sharp, the direction is sleek, and the music adds a lot to the mood. Whether or not you're into tech, it's a really engaging film about ambition, betrayal, and success. Definitely worth watching.