For all we’ve heard about Facebook mastermind Mark Zuckerberg and the images we’ve had of him rolling in pools of money, “The Social Network” is hardly a glimpse into the happy life of a young billionaire. Instead, the movie is a heart-wrenching portrayal of how making 500 million virtual friends can leave a person with zero real friends.

It’s the story of a generation. One that is so addicted to social networking, interactivity, immediacy and connectedness that when Facebook goes down, users make lists of things to do that include crocheting, showering and attending to food that’s not their Farmville vegetables. 

Though Zuckerberg has long denied the film's factual basis, he may have overestimated its possible backlash. Zuckerberg didn't play a role in the production of “The Social Network” or the book about the founding of Facebook that it is based on, “The Accidental Billionaires.”

The film is a closer look at the guy whose creation captures nearly one day each month from an average user, the guy whose site made us so compulsive that nearly one-third of women aged 18-34 check the site first thing in the morning, and the guy whose idea brings together babies, grandparents, long lost lovers and old friends.

The guy who everyone, no matter how much you love or hate him, can say is one of the sharpest minds of this generation and possibly one of the most influential people of our time.

Cheers, Mark Zuckerberg.

Here’s a look at the top five reasons you’ll love this film:

1. The script is brilliant.

From the moment the film starts in black with a voiceover conversation between Mark (Jesse Eisenberg) and his girlfriend Erica (Rooney Mara), in which he manages to insult her so often you wonder how any human being can even stand to be around him, you’re hooked. You know you’re about to sit through two hours of this type of biting, sharp-witted conversation, and it’s thrillingly paced at the attention span of the average Facebook user—which is not long. Writer Aaron Sorkin’s dialogue is seamless, even though anyone who’s followed Facebook's ascension knows the ending, they'll still find themselves on the edge of their seats of what very well may be a best picture contender.

2. It’s eerily relatable.

As much as we all wish we had nothing in common with a person as socially-deranged, awkward and arrogant as Mark, there’s a part of everyone who can identify with his desire to be chosen for one of Harvard University’s Final Clubs, undergraduate social clubs that resemble secret societies or fraternities. One of the most memorable lines of that opening scene is when Mark tells Erica that ultimately being a member of one matters “Because they’re exclusive. And fun. And they lead to a better life.” Take a minute to think about the time you wanted to join something because it was exclusive. It most likely looked fun. The people in it most likely looked happy, attractive and popular. Your involvement in that group could only lead to a better life. Right? Right.

3. It makes you feel closer to someone no one feels close to.

Ever since Facebook launched in 2004, there’s been a veil of secrecy surrounding the ever-elusive Zuckerberg. Who is this guy? “The Social Network” helps you see what makes Zuckerberg tick and why he is the way he is. Though you may expect to leave the theater hating Zuckerberg, don’t be surprised if you actually feel sorry for—or even closer to—him. When Mark tells the Winklevi (the nickname for Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, the brothers who are suing him), “If you guys were the inventors of Facebook, you'd have invented Facebook,” you may find yourself thinking, “Burn!,” “Oh snap!” or “Fuck yeah, Mark Zuckerberg. You're CEO, bitch!”

4. Michael Cera isn't in it.

I’m tempted to just stop there…But seriously, Jesse Eisenberg kicks ass, takes names and so much more. Where has this guy been? He is a breath of fresh air after a summer dominated by the Michael Cera and Jonah Hill crew. Though Cera would have been an obvious choice for the role, he would have played it the same way he plays every other role—as a sad-sack one-dimensional loser. Eisenberg brings an unexpected depth to the character of Mark and spits verbal venom and wisecracks all over the screen without skipping a beat. His timing is impeccable, his delivery phenomenal. 

5. Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker is the definition of a triple threat.

Though Timberlake’s always had singing and dancing down, his performance as Napster co-founder Parker is just as strong. It’s fascinating to watch Mark become close to and confide in someone so different from him. For the nerds and geeks in all of us who wish we had the brainpower to do what Mark does, it’s just as intriguing to watch him fawn over someone like Sean, whom he clearly idolizes. When Sean tells Mark to “Drop the ‘the,’” and make it “Just Facebook; it’s cleaner” a collective “Ahhh” should be heard in theaters.

“The Social Network” enters wide release Friday, Oct. 1, 2010.

To reach editor-in-chief Callie Schweitzer, click here.

Follow her on Twitter: @cschweitz

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