The Social Network

Of All the Cinematic Shockers....

Theres no getting around it - many of hollywoods biggest film makers have fallen majorly asleep at the wheel. Majorly. But sometimes, out of desperation and come pure greatness and The Social Network stands alone as living proof of that.

When Facebook's 500 Million users (myself included) log on every day, chances are their not thinking about the men who started it all, who made Facebook what it is. Jessie Eisenberg skillfully portrays Mark Zuckerberg, a nerdy and somewhat bitter Harvard Freshmen who happens to be exceptionally talented in the technology field. His friend Eduardo Saverin (portrayed equally as skillfully by Andrew Garfield) happens to be equally as talented in the business field. At the start of the film, a recently dumped Mark creates a website known as "Facemash" where students can compare Harvard girls. The site gets so many hits that it crashes the Harvard network. Word gets around and soon two wealthy upperclassmen brothers known as Tyler and Cameron Winkelvoss who want to create a "Harvard Network" and need a skilled computer programer. Mark agrees and thus begins the birth of Facebook. He is backed financially by Eduardo. Everything goes fine until he decides to break away from the Winkelvosses and create something all his own - something he dubs "The Facebook."

Thats just the start of a long journey, full of lawsuits, anger, corruption, romance and wild partying. Justin Timberlake all but steals the show as cocky, laid back Napster founder Sean Parker who steps in to lend Mark a hand along the way. Anyone with a Facebook, and anyone who doesn't shouldn't miss this movie. When it was first released, many, myself included, were a bit skeptical to say the least. This movie proved me wrong though. I'm rooting for it for best picture at The Oscars. This movie deserves to win.

5 Stars (only because I don't rate higher)

Dinner for Schmucks

Dumb and Dumber Gets a Corporate Twist

Ok, this is hands down the comedy of the season. I don't care what other titles you throw at my face, nothing I've seen this year beats Dinner for Schmucks for laughs.

Paul Rudd plays Tim, a successful but nervous businessman up for a big promotion at the office. When he starts to reel in a Swiss millionaire client he thinks he'd got it made but soon realizes he must pass one more test. Find the biggest idiot he can and bring him to his boss's annual dinner party. At the party the boss and his workers make fun of the guests. Tim's girlfriend objects to the idea and Tim is about to turn down the invitation when the ultimate schmuck falls right into his lap. Barry (Steve Carrell) is a dimwitted but lovable IRS worker who's only hobby is taking dead mice and using them to create scenes from history and such like. Having no friends he willingly accepts Tim's invitation never suspecting his new friend's true desire. Tim relaxes until Barry shows up at his apartment and starts to quickly burn every bridge Tim has. From almost ruining Tim's relationship with his girlfriend to almost costing him his job Barry leads to one giant fail after another in the form of a very funny story. This is truly one of the funniest movies I have seen in a long time. Not to be missed

5 Stars

Sherlock Holmes

Odd Cast, Awesome Movie

When I first got wind of this movie's cast, I was skeptical, like most Americans. I mean, Robert Downy Jr. as Holmes was surprise enough, but Jude Law as Dr. Watson? That got me thinking. I wasn't sure that turning Watson into a sex symbol was a good idea. I was wrong.

This movie was well cast, well written, well acted, well shot and in short, well everything. The special effects were great and the leads, Downy Jr and Law were great. Rachel McAdams was wonderfully cast in her role as Ms. Adler, the only woman capable of capturing Holmes's heart. Mark Strong was good too, as the villain, Lord Blackwood. This is one movie that truly has it all, action, romance, frightening moments, and just about everything else. Mark my words, this movie will have you out of your seat giving Holmes and Watson a standing ovation as the end credits roll. Not sure if this movie qualifies as action, drama or something else, but whatever genre it is, its great. This is one movie that should not be missed by anyone.

5 Stars

Norbit

Pure Cinematic Garbage

Hollywood has turned out so many pieces of trash over the years I won't even bother to list them all. I don't like to review bad movies but I just have to warn anyone thinking about watching this cinematic abortion..DON'T. Simply put, Norbit is the worst movie ever made.

This movie doesn't have a witty line of dialogue in it. Its gross, irreverent, offensive, and beyond crass. Eddie Murphy really should only play one role per movie. The story tells of a nice guy (title character) who through a messed up childhood and a string of unfortunate events ends up married to a disgusting, vile woman known as Rasputia (also played by Murphy). She is obese, arrogant, and cruel, not to mention controlling. Norbit wants nothing more than to ditch his repulsive spouse who he does not love, but Resputia is backed by her three older brothers, Big Terry, Earl, and Mac, who are all large, violent, and cruel. Knowing her husband is powerless against her, Resputia treats Norbit horribly. He is miserable enough, but when his beautiful former crush moves back into town (played by Thadia Newton) Norbit's world threatens to explode. There's more to the plot, but frankly its just not worth discussing.

Just how fat is Resputia? When she and Norbit visit a water park she has to lift up her stomach to show she's wearing bottoms. If that's your kind of humor, Norbit is hilarious. If not, stay away. This is the only movie I've seen that truly ears a negative number of stars. Save your money and watch something else.

-5 Stars