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When Not To Go On Facebook Live

MOVIE REVIEW: 'The Social Network' Reels You In and Hooks You, but...

The Social Network --Columbia Pictures.

Directed by David Fincher

Screenplay Adaptation by Aaron Sorkin, based on Ben Mezrich's best selling book The Accidental Millionaires.

Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer, Josh Pence, Joseph Mazzello, Rooney Mara and Brenda Song

Film Editors: Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall

My Rating: B

Aaron Sorkin's manic paced dialogue propels The Social Network and David Fincher gets the best performance out of the subject the film is based on itself, as opposed to any one actor. That is a good thing, actually. I say that because the main character, truthfully speaking, is Facebook. The drama surrounding Mark Zuckerberg (a solid performance from Jesse Eisenberg) and how his empire came about from the beginning just seven short years ago with all of it's subplots, dramas and innuendo. I came away from the film with the feeling that this is the story of a lonely guy that got hurt by a girl he liked - and he was gonna show her.

While the film has been critically praised, I can see some of the why behind the praise, but it certainly does not grab me as the 'movie of the year' as some critics seem to have touted. I think it is an important film worthy of some accolades, but I think just like it's subject being shoved down our collective subconscious throats - so is the brilliant marketing of the film. If I were to take the film and stand it by itself without all the hype and hoopla, I would say that it is a relative subject to today's society and how one man's loneliness lead him to much fortune and fame, but at the end of the day he still doesn't have that one special friend. Very Hollywood.

As for Awards buzz, because I always go there whenever I talk movies...perhaps, it will be on everybody's Best Picture list - despite my personal feelings...but who am I? While Eisenberg is definitely wonderful, and maybe even deserving a Best Actor nod; I am not sure he will make the cut in a category that always seems to have more possibilities than it can contain. However, Andrew Garfield, as his patient, yet jaded business partner and friend and Justin Timberlake's slick, if not slithering portrayal of Napster founder Sean Parker are both on my list for possible Best Supporting Actor nods from the various awards groups. Timberlake actually surprised me, because through all the reserved and intellectual, though oft times tense back and forth dialogue it was Timberlake's performance that had me leaning forward in my chair just a tad. Maybe because my blood pressure raised just a little. Just not sure if it was due to the fact that his Parker was taking advantage of a good situation or that Eisenberg's Zuckerberg seemed so far removed from the situation half the time that you wondered truly, where was this guy coming from?

Along with Aaron Sorkin's, per usual, golden pen; Fincher's well-paced direction and Kirk Baxter & Angus Wall's beautiful film editing...I am sure this film will be on many lists come awards season. As for the social commentary, I almost wish the film would have went just a little further and covered its subject when it reached past the college campuses and became the global phenomenon it is today. Other than that, I definitely would recommend a viewing.

Preview: Betty White Hosting 'SNL' with Musical Guest Jay-Z Could Prove to be Historical Meeting Between Social & Mass Media

I am elated that I am a part of a group on Facebook that urged, begged and pleaded to get a beloved comedic icon to host Saturday Night Live. At first, I was leery...and a tad cynical, but I have always been a fan of the Emmy Award winning actress and animal rights activist. So, I signed up...not thinking anything would actually come of it. Then it happened. She would finally host (I say that only because legend has it that 'SNL' producer Lorne Michaels tried to get her to host three previous times). And tonight, Betty White hosts 'SNL' with musical guest Jay-Z, and I look forward to being VERY entertained. It is good to see that sometimes, something as simple and fleeting as a fan page on a social networking site could actually render some power with execs in really high places, in those buildings that touch the sky. Who da thunk it? I just want to see a good show and see what the Nielsen TV ratings say about it.

Betty White is a national treasure in my eyes with her wit, stone-faced and well-timed comedic performances have won audiences over for six decades now. From The Mary Tyler Moore Show to The Golden Girls and even her regular walk-ons on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and her numerous high profile guest spots on a variety of shows this past decade, we have always been treated to a bravura performance of quality, a 'golden' standard that speaks of excellence.

Jay-Z, as the episode's musical guest, is a wonderful choice. This multiple Grammy Award winning talent has a sound that has been part of the soundtrack of this past generation. His grit and grandeur with his style is not only poetic, but the pulse and vibe of trends that have been set long ago.

I think tonight's show will be a feather in not only NBC, Lorne Michael's and Saturday Night Live's cap, but an ultimate fan's dream come true. Imagine David Matthews, the man who began the Facebook campaign, who will be at the show. He hopes to meet Betty White, and she has reportedly promised to meet him, IF “he doesn’t mind me, you know, beating him up for getting me into this trouble,” said Betty White.

Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Molly Shannon, Maya Rudolph, Ana Gasteyer and Rachel Dratch all former-SNL alumni are all also returning for the episode and the fact that it is airing on Mother's Day weekend is also a wonderful programming faux pas.

If for anything, it should be a wonderful tribute to a very deserving entertainer and humanitarian. It is borderline historical, or could very well be - the marriage between social media and mass media. I think this is an excellent stepping stone in the right direction, and very timely.

Okay, Betty White - no pressure now... go out there, girl... take Jay-Z by the hand and you all go out there and make some history, money and maybe bring NBC out of the ratings cellar - if only for one night.

Photo from Access Hollywood.