BLOG: 2011 is Dawning

With only THREE days left in 2010 I thought it was only fitting to let you know what films and books have made the quota of this year first year absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!

Salt: Angelina Jolie

Evelyn Salt has been framed as a Russian spy in America trying to kill the president. Attempting to clear her name, Salt travels to the roots of the lies and incidentally the roots of her identity - Russia. Being trained as a Russian spy to infiltrate American borders, Salt made a choice to remove herself from the cult and ruin her cover by marrying a German scientist. But her choice is tainted as she finds herself trying to escape the grasp of BOTH her Russian allies and American co-workers.

This was an action-packed movie! Unbelievable stunts and mind blowing situation that left you thinking, "WHAT?!". Jolie continues her reign as BEST ACTION ACTRESS in this film with her ability to deliver a great thrill when bombs are blasting and guns are shooting. Liev Schreiber (X-Men Origins) played a great role in the twist of the story as both Salt's comrade and Salt's greatest threat.

What the writer achieved in this film was the delicate balance of character duality. He was able to create characters that were believable and a storyline that was incredible to watch and perceive. Kudos to Kurt Wimmer.

Token Line: "Let me guess, you're one of those people who thinks everyone is who they say they are?"
sL Star Rating: 4 Stars


Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Have you ever felt like you're in a conversation, but you're not part of the conversation? Like people are talking around you, but they're not talking to you; or people are laughing but they're not laughing with you, or even at you - they're just laughing. Ever felt like people think you're a weirdo or a just a plain pervert? What's that phrase for the lull between childhood and adulthood? - "Growing Up."

Perks is all about this boy who just seems to be, well, there. Charlie is a 15-year-old who is special. He's aware of the world and others, but he seems to miss the idea of experiencing the world or communicating with others. He's incredibly sensitive and is completely anonymous - even to those who call him family or friend. He has people who genuinely care for him, but at other times, even they don't know how to deal with him.

What I really loved about this book was the fact its structure is based on irony. Charlie is suppose to be participating with the world around him, but he is documenting his participation to an unknown friend who won't reply because Charlie does not even want them to know who he really is. As the reader, you assume that YOU are this secret friend who knows all the same people - but only from a distance, because they're names are apparently different.

There's so much risky issues like using illegal drugs, domestic violence, sexual harassment and underage drinking that this is book covers, which make you think, "No wonder some of these people are messed up." But in truth, I don't think that Chbosky put them in there to be the cause of everything that happens to his characters. They're in there because it's a glimpse of a certain kind of reality - a reality that most of us only see in films.

The beauty of this book is that you can love and hate these characters over and over again because they're a glimpse of familiar friends and family members - without having to go to the extremes listed above. Family who love you, even if sometimes they don't understand you and friends who are willing to be by your side, even when you know they shouldn't be. It's a really beautiful book that leaves you thinking.

Token Quote: "We were infinite."
sL Star Rating: 4.5 Stars

Despicable Me - Steve Carell

Being the greatest villain in the whole world is a title hard to achieve. So when the Bank of Evil denies Gru's ask for a loan, Gru tries to find another way to fund his expedition to steal the moon. In the process, he comes across a younger villain named, Vector (Jason Segel - How I met Your Mother) who takes his plan and ideally steals the vital gadget for the heist - The Shrink Ray. So to get it back, Gru devises another plan, that leaves even him in the hands of three orphan girls.

Despicable Me is absolutely the CUTEST film of 2010!!! Elsie Fisher's (Medium) character, Agnes, is the best character I have seen in the animated world since Disney's Boo and Bonny. I think the movie's success hangs on the balance of her character. But it's also cute when Gru starts to really become their dad and you see them adding themselves to the family tree. The animation was brilliant and the story was absolutely heartwarming.

Token Line: "It's so fluffy, I'm going to die!!!"
sL Star Rating: 5 Stars


Next on sL: NEW YEAR FUN - What 2011 films, TV shows, Live Entertainment and Books I'm looking forward to view and read.

BLOG: 12 Days of Christmas Wish List

On the FIRST day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…A MESSAGE BIBLE that was really pretty. ($9.95)

On the SECOND day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…An iTUNES GIFT CARD and a Message Bible that was really pretty. ($15-$50)

On the THIRD day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…The new CHRIS TOMLIN CD, an iTunes Gift Card and a Message Bible that was really pretty. ($21.95)

On the FOURTH day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…The new MACBOOK AIR, the new Chris Tomlin CD, an iTunes Gift Card and a Message Bible that was really pretty. ($1,598.00)

On the FIFTH day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…BBC’S ROBIN HOOD SERIES ONE to THREE!!!...The new MacBook Air, the new Chris Tomlin CD, an iTunes Gift Card and a Message Bible that was really pretty. ($182.97)

On the SIXTH day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…A SIGNED COPY OF GUY SEBASTIAN’S new CD – BBC’S Robin Hood Series 1-3!!!...The new MacBook Air, the new Chris Tomlin CD, an iTunes Gift Card and a Message Bible that was really pretty. ($19.99)

On the SEVENTH day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...The COMPLETE FIRST SEASON OF GLEE, a signed copy of Guy Sebastian’s new CD – BBC’S Robin Hood Series 1-3!!!... The new MacBook Air, the new Chris Tomlin CD, an iTunes Gift Card and a Message Bible that was really pretty. ($59.98)

On the EIGHTH day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…The INCEPTION DVD, the Complete First Season of Glee, a signed copy of Guy Sebastian’s new CD – BBC’S Robin Hood Series 1-3!!!... The new MacBook Air, the new Chris Tomlin CD, an iTunes Gift Card and a Message Bible that was really pretty. ($19.98)

On the NINTH day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…The EASY A DVD, the Inception DVD, the Complete First Season of Glee, a signed copy of Guy Sebastian’s new CD – BBC’S Robin Hood Series 1-3!!!... The new MacBook Air, the new Chris Tomlin CD, an iTunes Gift Card and a Message Bible that was really pretty. ($29.98)

On the TENTH day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…An EVENTS CINEMA GIFT CARD, the Easy A DVD, the Inception DVD, the Complete First Season of Glee, a signed copy of Guy Sebastian’s new CD – BBC’S Robin Hood Series 1-3!!!... The new MacBook Air, the new Chris Tomlin CD, an iTunes Gift Card and a Message Bible that was really pretty. (Up to YOU)

On the ELEVENTH day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…PHOTOSHOP CS5, an Events Cinema gift card, the Easy A DVD, the Inception DVD, the Complete First Season of Glee, a signed copy of Guy Sebastian’s new CD – BBC’S Robin Hood Series 1-3!!!... The new MacBook Air, the new Chris Tomlin CD, an iTunes Gift Card and a Message Bible that was really pretty. ($1,168.00)

On the TWELFTH day of Christmas, my true love wished me…A MERRY CHRISTMAS under the Christmas tree…(along with) Photoshop CS5, an Events Cinema gift card, the Easy A DVD, the Inception DVD, the Complete First Season of Glee, a signed copy of Guy Sebastian’s new CD – BBC’S Robin Hood Series 1-3!!!... The new MacBook Air, the new Chris Tomlin CD, an iTunes Gift Card and a Message Bible that was really pretty. (Priceless)

***

Too often Christmas is seen as a time of giving and receiving. But this year, instead of thinking about what you'll receive, think about what you can give. There's a lot of people who will spend this Christmas feeling alone. Be a friend this Christmas, have extra people over for Christmas Lunch and share the joy of being with each other this Christmas.

MERRY CHRISTMAS from stricklyLEISURE.

FILM: I'm Not There

Yeah, so I kind of got sick of using good old YouTube, to be honest I was starting to miss the pictures - if I were really honest, it doesn't look so nice on my facebook page. LOL.

Judging by the two movie posters I put up, they're obviously about from different categories and are about different stories. What they do have in common is MUSIC. No on can deny that the music has the power to do many things - not anything, but many things. It can make to laugh, cry, shout and hell, it can even make you feel things that you never thought you could. But too often, music drives people to do crazy things or say crazy things.


I'm Not There Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Marcus Carl Franklin, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger and Ben Whishaw

Six lives, one person. Tracing the legendary life of singer, Bob Dylan, six characters trace the life of the great singer. Taking the the stories written in his music, Todd Haynes writes and directs a film about what was going on at the time and the spirit of the time. In a world full of injustice and war, the protest movement was strong; but in the midst of the protest cries was a louder call - a call for reason.

I will be honest with you here, it was H.A.R.D. movie to follow. I was confused I didn't know who was who and I just wasn't convinced that all six actors were playing the one person. Though the posters and Bob Dylan, I think there's something more to what they mean. From my understanding here's how they're all connected:

Cate Blanchette and Ben Whishaw are Bob Dylan - Blanchette is the radical artist who portrays a Dylan in a time where he was induced by drugs and alcohol; drowned in the pools of success, media attention and performance stress. Whishaw on the other hand is the poet, the voice behind the music. He acts as the narrator with insights that no one seems to fully comprehend, and at times, that is the beauty of poetry and music - it's ability to be ambiguous, and yet relative.

Christian Bale and Heath Ledger are bound together by Jack Rollins - Bale is Jack Rollins, a folk singer who is beloved by many because of the words of his songs. Bring the truth in the eyes of those who listen and who are willing to know what it feels like to...well, feel - and to feel strongly about something. Ledger takes on the role of an actor who plays that part of Jack Rollins, which gives him his "big break" into the industry. Jack Rollins and Robbie Clark are merely people in the the same world as Dylan - Rollins is doing the same thing and feeling all the same pressures, while Clark is trying to live a separate life to the character he played.

Richard Gere and Marcus Carl Franklin are the elusive connections - Gere is the epitome of a character in one of Dylan's song while Franklin is stuck in a time warp, wishing he was older than he really was. Billy was an outlaw who wanted justice to come to the little people where he lived. Woody simply loved his guitar and singing songs that came from a time before his own, but in some twisted hand of fate, the two stories are wound together by a strum of a guitar.

That's how I see it. And since it was so beautifully confusing and yet utterly satisfying, I'll let YOU decide. Hire it out and see if you agree with me.

Token Line: Yes...it's chaos...clocks...watermelons - it's everything.
Star Rating: 3.5 Stars


Once Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova

This film's take on music is different to that of I'm Not There. It looks at music as a weaver of lives through talent and a mutual liking. It takes one man's sorrow and one woman's sorrow to create a beautiful collaboration of seeing the beauty in pain. It's a simple story really, there's no real plot to it, it's like you're following two people who met on the street and they share their stories with one another and in the end they help each other make ends meet.

Spoiler Alert! They don't end up together in the end, but they do end with people that they believed were right the very first time. What I liked about the ending was not the fact that it wasn't cliche, but rather that fact that it delicately sowed together the lyrics of their songs. Both the man and the woman in this story wrote songs for people who the once loved and in the end, they come to terms with the fact that they still do love them. The film asks, "How often do you find the right person?" - Once.

I think sometimes we're too caught up in have a great ending to films, but once in a while, it's nice to have something that disappoints the obvious and thrills possibility.

Token Line: It's f**king brilliant!
Star Rating: 5 Stars



Next on sL: Christmas Wish List

FILM AND TELEVISION SHOW: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 // BBC's Robin Hood

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows (Part I)

Daniel Radcliff, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint

Alright, this movie was definitely better than the last two HP films that have been released in the recent years. My quarrel with this film is that there wasn’t enough time to feel for the characters that died along the way. Yes, I understand that it’s a thick book and there needed to be things that were more important than others.

In saying that though, I did like the film. The cast have been great from the beginning and continue to be so. I loved the scene where they all turned into Harry and all you could see were characters shrinking into Daniel Radcliff’s height. It was so funny to see them shift their shapes, in the end having then change and all you could see was Harry (Fluer) in a bra. But the other part I liked was the story of the Deathly Hallows. The story was really deep and I loved how it ended.

The film had a great balance of darkness and humour. Favourite characters die and get injured and it ended at a perfect moment. It’s definitely the darkest film of them all and the most emotional, but hopefully Part Two we see the light (which we will, considering it’s the last instalment and all). I don’t want to give too much away, it’s a great film.

It’s been a long time coming, but Harry Potter must end – fortunately, it ends in TWO parts.

Token Line: (Ron): What do I do? My wife’s all alone. (Harry): Ron, you don’t have a wife.

Star Rating: 4 Stars

***

Robin Hood (BBC)

Jonas Armstrong, Lucy Griffiths, Richard Armitage and Keith Allen

I will be honest and say that this BBC series captured my eye in my local library, but even BEFORE that in the JB Hi-Fi store. Returning my films, I decided I that should change my viewing pleasure and talk about a Television Series (considering I hadn’t reviewed a series in a while).

It’s the legend that we’ve known since the day we were taught about Medieval England: Robin Hood and His Merry Men. Their motto, “Steal from the rich and give to the poor!” resounds throughout the region of Nottingham and Sherwood Forest. But in this series there’s a twist. Maid Marion is NOT your typical damsel-in-distress, she your common outlaw named “The Night Watchman”. As King Richard is away in the Holy Lands defending his beliefs, the Sheriff of Nottingham and his right-hand man, Sir Guy of Gisborne, plot to overthrow him and place Prince John on the throne.

It’s a great series because it’s has different takes on the idea of ‘stealing from the rich and giving to the poor’. The addition of The Night Watchman also gives the character of Marian an edge. The first series was an introduction to Robin of Locksley who was overthrown by the Sheriff and Gisborne, thus deeming himself Robin Hood. The second series is a little more edgy when masks come off and relationships are tested. The truth between Marian and Robin are found and come to a fatal end for one of them. This version of the legendary tale, does not give viewers the satisfaction of a happy ending. Which is MY concern, if you kill-off one important character and remove two others, what of Robin Hood? Nevertheless season three presses on…

Unfortunately, my local library does not have the series. Christmas present anyone?

Token Line: We are Robin Hood!

Star Rating: 5 Stars

Next on sL: I'm Not There and Once

FILM: Whip It

WHIP IT Ellen Page and the Directorial Debut of Drew Barrymore

I didn't really do this movie justice when I first reviewed it, so I think it's best if I re-do the post now.

Whip It is my first official favourite movie and it's knocked The Little Mermaid off it's pedestal. Why? Because it is the perfect combination of wit, humour and down right attitude. If you thought Ellen Page was great in Juno, you will absolutely fall in love with her again in this film.

I really loved the fact that the storyline went beyond a girl finding her own way in life or a girl trying to show her mum that she can't live her life through her daughter or the obvious "find your destiny". It was a story about family - not a family, but a different kind of family: a family made up of friends.

Kudos to Drew Barrymore on her Directorial Debut. She was absolutely hilarious in the movie too. She did a great job with telling a story and making it believable. The cast had the dry humour that I loved, but at the same time, they gelled so well together because they had the same energy. You could see that they loved working on this film.

I will make this one confession: I was smitten over Ellen Page's love interest, Landon Pigg (yes, that is his last name). For those of you who know him, how amazing is his voice? So diverse, for those of you who don't, I leave you with:

New part to my film reviews: TOKEN LINE.

TOKEN LINE: I’m an athlete!

STAR RATING: 5 Stars

Next on sL: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part I) and Robin Hood (BBC)

NEW ALBUM: Taylor Swift - Speak Now

With her Grammy Awards stored away in a safe place and her Song Writer’s award ready at hand for inspiration, Taylor Swift has launched her third album: SPEAK NOW in stores worldwide.

Nothing short of classy, the new album is still full of Swift’s creative stories, apologies and warnings. With lyrics that bite the souls of those who have wronged her and calms those who relate, Speak Now is another album that speaks to the generation of today. Releasing both the standard album and its deluxe edition simultaneously, fans will be happy to know that Taylor retains hidden messages for her fans to find in each of the lyrics of her songs.

Let’s go find them shall we…(yes, I actually decoded the lyrics, and NO I did not use Google.)

1) Mine – First single released from the album.

Hidden message: “Toby”

Well, there’s no reason why the hidden message would be a guy’s name - actually, another no brainer, a famous guy’s name – Toby Hemmingway (Black Swan). Famous British actor found himself on the set of Swift’s Mine video clip after well, even he didn’t know! Nevertheless, the song is not actually about Toby and Taylor – oh, sorry Taylor fans, the video is not actually real. Actually, it’s about a girl’s who doesn’t believe in love and to find that it does exist regardless of the circumstances of life.

I like this song. I'm one of those strongly guarded girls and so it’s great to have an anthem that doesn’t scream the Hollywood chant of, “You belong with mee-ee!” – oh woops! That’s a Taylor Swifts song. :P

2) Sparks Fly

Hidden Message: “Portland Oregon”

I am assuming that this is a special place to Taylor, don’t really know, where google map at? Pitty LOL…anyway…it’s another love song if you didn’t get it from the title. Not too sure if I like just yet, I’ll let you know.

3) Back To December

Hidden Message: “Tay”

Gasp!!! Yes, it’s a reference to Twilight’s Taylor Lautner. I mean come on, the song says, “I miss you tan skin…” and we’ve all seen that whenever we watch another installment of the Saga. Against all media speculation, I actually do like this song. It’s about saying sorry and understanding that sometimes a second chance is inevitable, regardless of wanting to try. Sometimes, some scars are just easier to watch heal than to continually rip open – but don’t take my word for it! I don’t know if that applies to the two Taylors!

4) Speak Now

Hidden Message: “You always regret what you don’t say.”

Without a doubt – considering this song is about barging into an ex’s wedding to tell him that you’re still in love with him. That would suck! I would to hate to be the dude the end of that straw. Imagine being ready to commit your life to the woman in front of you and then suddenly some ex-girlfriend jumps up and says, “On by the way, in our last conversation I forgot to mention, I love you.” I mean come on!

I don’t hate this song, I think it’s a funny concept (regardless if it happens in real life – like I said it would suck if it happened to me on my wedding day, but you got to admit, it’s pretty funny) but I just think it’s time people dealt with their feelings. Especially if you’re the one they protesting for, don’t even hesitate! You’ve decided to fork out the cash for that diamond, got down on your knee and considered all the options! There is no way you would hesitate on your wedding day! Seriously! If you do it, either you never really loved the person in front of you or you think you’re settling for second best. Your call.

5) Dear John

Hidden Message: “Loved you from the very first day.”

This song is said to be about John Mayer, but I struggle to see the connection with the musician. Sure she features in his latest album, Battle Studies, but I seriously don’t think that this song is about John. Unless Swift and Mayer are really good at hiding from the paparazzi and the journalist of gossip magazines, then I think it could be.

The thing I like about this song is that it has the theme of White Horse running through it. Talking about looking back at past mistakes and being a little bit wiser, realising that maybe there are things that need to be left there; moving on is better, regardless of the pain and regrets.

6) Mean

Hidden Message: “Thought you got me.”

A song about being bullied and put down, it’s the anthem of anyone’s who’s ever been taunted and teased. I like it because everyone’s had a moment in their life where someone’s brought them down because they’ve been hurt before.

It’s an underdog’s song.

7) The Story of Us

Hidden Message: “CMT Awards”

According to my sister, it’s about Joe Jonas – personally I could care less about the feud between these two stars. I just like the song because of the beat not really the Story part. I just think it’s got a great dance beat – I know! Who knew Taylor Swift could make dance sound decent?! Ok, so not exactly dance more electro pop, but same-same. It’s one those songs you dance to when you’re alone in your room or a GNO!

8) Never Grow Up

Hidden Message: “Moved out in July.”

Since Miss Swift left her nest in July, this song is appropriate. Much like The Best Day in her Fearless album, it talks about growing up and realising the importance of family. I like it because it’s so calming and sweet. This will be my anthem when I move out of home! It’s the perfect acoustic track that has the hint of a lullaby.

9) Enchanted

Hidden Message: “Adam”

Another guy’s name, not another shocker. I actually don’t know who this “Adam” person is, but according to Google it refers to Adam Young of Owl City. According to the video bellow, Young wants to collaborate with Swift on a new track, no word yet though on whether the collaboration is happening.

It’s a song about a star-struck moment. I don’t really like this song, I think it’s haunting, although at the same time it puts you to sleep. Not that I don’t like Owl City – not true I love their stuff – I just personally do not like the melody of this song – no offence Taylor!

10) Better than Revenge

Hidden Message: “You thought I would forget.”

I really like this song! Don’t let the title throw you off, the first half of the sentence is actually, “There’s nothing I do better than revenge.” If any girl out there has ever been cheated on then THIS is YOUR ANTHEM. It’s got Avril’s Girlfriend touch of attitude and Pink’s U + Ur Hand message. That’s right, Taylor lets loose and rocks it out. Who loves rock ‘n’ roll? Taylor Swift does and so do we.

11) Innocent

Hidden Message: “Life is full of little interruptions.”

http://www.kewego.fr/video/iLyROoaf8lom.html - MTV VMA’s Performance.

Sorry, I couldn’t find a YouTube video. But obviously, it’s about Kanye West and how he interrupted her speech. It’s her way of saying she forgives him, which I think is amazing. I do like this song, not just because it’s about forgiveness, but it has a powerful message. “Who you are, is not what you did...Every one of us has messed up to.” It’s the bigger-person song, and there should be one of those inside of all of us.

12) Haunted

Hidden Message: “Still to this day.”

Probably referring to a lingering feeling towards someone she had been in love with. It’s actually good song. I love that ballad-like sounds of all the string instruments and Taylor’s declarative singing. It’s like Kelly Clarkson’s Because of You, it’s just full on with music and vocals that it’s in your face – love it! But whenever I listen to it, I see another Clarkson song, Behind these Hazel Eyes. It’s just a great song.

13) Last Kiss

Hidden Message: “Forever and Always”

Remind of something? Yes, the hidden message is a track on the Fearless album, but it troubles me because that song is said to be about Joe Jonas. Is anyone else sick of Joe Jonas? I am! But when you put two and two together it doesn’t make sense! Last KISS – really? It’s like come on! Do you hate him or love him! Personally I don’t really like this song, even if it’s not about Joe; I personally think it’s just too slow, eh.

14) Long Live

Hidden Message: “For you”

It’s got Change written all over it. It’s that song that everyone loves because it’s not really about love and it’s not really about growing up; it’s about breaking through because you did something together. No connotation there, I mean it’s like fighting a war and gaining the victory in the end. It’s a community song really, lol, I don’t know why songs like this make me think of that, but they do. :D

***

Bonus Disc – Deluxe

Unfortunately, no hidden messages here, but just three extra tracks that show case the brilliance of this twenty year-old.

1) Ours

It’s a love song that is thick with the country beats. It’s Our Song all over again, so technically she just dropped the “ong” hey? Jokes, jokes…but it’s seriously a fun, chirpy song that you’d listen to on a road trip. I like it.

2) If This Was a Movie

No, it’s not a Hannah Montana cover, although, it might as well be. Is anyone else sick of these, “If life was a movie…” themed songs? What makes me cringe is the fact that even I fall for them. I really do like this song. Sue me. :P

3) Superman

I really don’t know what this song is about. I have a feeling it’s really about Superman, which is probably not surprising. I love it because it reminds me of Since You’ve Been Gone, but without the rock tinge. It’s still very country but it’s got this hint of, HA! in it. I seriously don’t know why I like it, but it would have a really cool video clip!

The second disc also features 5 other songs, but it’s just different versions of: Back to December, Mine, Haunted and The Story of Us. It also includes a few behind the scenes of the Mine video clip.

And unfortunately, YouTube doesn’t have Part 3, sorry. :D

sL Star rating: 5 Stars – which ever version you get it’s worth your money.

Next on sL: Whip It and Wild Child - Newly viewed and Re-viewed.

FILM: The Social Network

The Social Network: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake

FACEBOOK, everyone knows about it and most people use it. Whether or not you have one, you’re bound to know what it is. But how did ONE social network get so popular? The Social Network works around the two law-suits that Mark Zuckerberg had to face when Facebook became one of the biggest social networks running online. Fighting against the people who claim that Facebook was their idea and his own best friend, who felt he was cheated out of his rights.

THIS IS A MUST SEE! Who knew that the phrase, “Facebook me” would mean so much just seven years after its creation? Who knew that the idea of being “exclusive” would cost 27 billion dollars down the track? But the question is, “Is Facebook just another great idea, or is it the epitome of or social standing today?” That question is what this film is trying to answer. I love it when Mark says, “The (twins) are suing me because for the first time in their lives, things aren’t going their way.” Paying off 65 million dollars for a suggestion that turned into the biggest thing seven years after it was spoken about is one half storyline of this film. The other half is about trust, loyalty and friendship; wrapped in this story of “who’s right” and “who owes who recognition” (and money) is a story about self-definition.

Today, Mark Zuckerberg is known as the youngest billionaire in this world, but this movie traces out the codes that brought life to Facebook. Behind all the attitude and all the computer lingo, Mark was just look for something that would get him in – in with the cool kids, in with the cool parties and in with the right girls. Taking the idea of exclusivity, what Mark was able to re-create was the social structure of universities in the US – only the elite were invited to the most prestigious houses and clubs; only the cool kids got the great recognitions; and all those who could afford were walking targets because they were also walking ATMs. That’s the second half of the storyline, behind the cool new updates and statuses, Facebook is just another way to highlight the haves and the have-nots.

It makes you think huh? Facebook is part of us that we don’t even consider how it began. All we know is that it’s there and it’s useful. Walking out of that movie, it made me think, “What would happen if one by one, people stopped using Facebook and all those other internet sites? What would happen to people like Mark Zuckerberg? What would they do with their billions?” I even seriously thought about deleting my Facebook page (which would probably cut down my internet usage). But that movie really made me think. It’s not about who’s idea it was, which is probably why he was happy to pay the 65 million, because let’s face it, the idea of having social networks to be exclusive is really nothing new; it’s about re­-creating life and halving the unwritten rules of society written. Like the Ericka character said, “Things on the internet aren’t written in the air, they’re written in ink.” – Which probably where the “HIDE” option originated from – but it’s the truth. (I love the fact that every application has a story.) When you watch this film consider these three things:

1. How often do you use Facebook?
2. What do you use it for?
3. Why do you use it in the first place?

sL star rating: 5 stars

Next on sL: Taylor Swift – Speak Now (New Album)