What could I possibly say about The Social Network that hasn’t already been said? Its reviews are glowing, it’s percentage on Rottentomatoes is pristine and it’s score on Metacritic is unprecedented as I write this article. Of course you know it’s about Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook, or at least that’s the question that The Social Network attempts to raise with this film. Being around when Facebook got its start, I have to say I don’t recall any of the court-room drama being spoken of at the time. Therefore, I have to wonder if this aspect of the Facebook phenomenon is being over-emphasized with this film. I will have to see it to find out. In a reaction to the negative publicity from the film, the real Mark Zuckerberg very recently donated $100 million to a Newark, New Jersey school district, raising the eyebrows of many. David Fincher (Benjamin Button, Zodiac) directs The Social Network. It’s rare to see a biopic of a cultural icon that is still in full force and perhaps not even reached its peak. The film is adapted from Ben Mazrich’s novel called “The Accidental Billionaires”. The Social Network is adapted by Aaron Sorkin (Charlie Wilson’s War, Sports Night) and stars Jesse Eisenberg (The Squid and the Whale). The film has major Oscar implications and based on the buzz, is an absolute must see.Case 39 is the newest creepy girl horror film which stars Renee Zellweger, whose career seems to be plummeting more and more with each film. Swap Renee with Naomi Watts and you have The Ring. Swap Renee with Sarah Michelle Gellar and you have The Grudge. Swap Renee with Vera Farmiga and you have The Orphan. The Horror genre isn’t getting any more original from the looks of things and Case 39 director, Christian Alvart’s addition does nothing to combat it. Case 39 was actually shot in Vancouver in 2006. It was released abroad in 2009, but has been delayed a number of times in the U.S. Case 39’s rating on Rottentomatoes is in the low 20’s at the time of this article. If you’re just dying to go see a horror film this weekend, then I would highly suggest you check out Let Me In.
Fans of the 2008 Swedish film, Let the Right One In, should not get upset just yet. Let Me In is based on 2004 novel, Let Me In, by Swedish writer John Ajvide Lindqvist. Despite what some say, it is not a remake of the 2008 film entitled Let the Right One In. Director Matt Reeves (Cloverfield) is sure to use some of the best elements from the Swedish film, but ultimately (and rightly) Americanize the film in the end. Let the Right One In was one of the best films of 2008. Those of us who saw the film remember its slow, haunting pace and cold creepiness. It had relatively few stand-out scary and gory scenes, but the entire film itself was one long, well-paced exercise in horror and suspense. With Let Me In, one should expect more jump-scares and more gore. The film is getting pretty positive pre-release reviews on Rottentomatoes and has an 80 on Metacritic at the moment. Let Me In will be a different interpretation of the novel.
Citizen Craig 