The Social Network *****

A superb movie, with outstanding everything, this story of the founding and early years of Facebook is one of the very best of the year. Just remember that this is a work of art, not history, and characters and situations may be altered in the interest of drama. This version is based on Ben Mezrich's book, "The Accidental Billionaires." For another view of what happened, from someone who had full access to the principals, read David Kirkpatrick's "The Facebook Effect."

But back to the movie. The story is framed around depositions of various lawsuits brought by former associates, with flashbacks. Here we have a taut script that tries not to take sides, masterful directing, and uniformly excellent performances. Jesse Eisenberg perfectly embodies the focused but supposedly socially inept (oh, the irony!) super-smart founder/programmer Mark Zuckerberg. You know that there is a lot going on in his head, but he is not afraid to freeze his face to show his distance and lack of connection.

Andrew Garfield, as the friend Eduardo Saverin, whose fault was thinking too small, convincingly captures the frustration of separation and the narrow viewpoint of someone who ultimately didn't get it. But the best of the supporting actors is the surprising Justin Timberlake, whose portrayal of the twice burned founder of Napster, Sean Parker, gives Zuckerberg timely and sage advice about keeping control of his company, but whose lifestyle proves ultimately to be a liability.

At the end of the day it's director David Fincher ("Fight Club," "Se7en,""Zodiac,""The Curious Case of Benjamin Button") who puts it all together, and who, I dare say, should walk away with a golden statuette, as should quite a few of the others involved in this project.

Rated PG-13. 120 minutes. David Fincher - Director, Aaron Sorkin - Writer (screenplay), Ben Mezrich - Writer (book "The Accidental Billionaires"), Dana Brunetti - Producer, Cean Chaffin - Producer, Michael De Luca - Producer, Scott Rudin - Producer, Jeff Cronenweth - Cinematographer, Trent Reznor - Composer, Atticus Ross - Composer, Donald Graham Burt - Production Designer, Kirk Baxter -Editor, Angus Wall - Editor. Distributed by Columbia Pictures.

Principal actors: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Rooney Mara.

Animal Kingdom *****

A gripping, surprising, frightening, fantastic film, based on a true story, about a young man caught up in a crime family he was born into. Set in present day Melbourne, Australia, 17 year old Joshua (James Frecheville) is thrust back into the family when his mother, estranged from the in-laws, overdoses. Before he gets in too deeply, there is a detective, Leckie (Guy Pearce) who thinks he can save him. But the law of the family is pitiless, self-serving, and raw, and Joshua becomes more and more ensnared in its embrace. "Animal Kingdom" is a low budget Aussie gem, with excellent performances, and a standout portrayal by Jacki Weaver of the family matriarch. Its run in the U.S. is limited, so put it on your rental wait list now.

Rated R. 113 minutes. David Michod - Director / Writer (screenplay), Liz Watts - Producer, Adam Arkapaw - Cinematographer, Anthony Partos - Composer, Josephine Ford - Production Designer, Luke Doolan - Editor. Distributed in the U.S. by Sony Pictures Classics.

Principal actors: Guy Pearce, James Frecheville, Joel Edgerton, Jacki Weaver.

Patrik Age 1.5 ***

I found this Swedish import about a gay couple being sent a rebellious, 15 year old homophobic teenager for adoption, rather than the 1.5 year old infant they expected (typographical errors happen) interesting, funny, cleverly done, but also a revealing look at Swedish society and attitudes. As in this year's popular fiction phenomenon, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," the remarkable thing about the Sweden we see in these works of art is how much it's like the U.S.

This is not exactly a social paradise. Rapacious corporations, prejudices against women and lesbians and gays, skateboarding teenagers, and rigid right-wing attitudes abound. And even though gay marriage was adopted in Sweden in May 2009, small-town prejudices survive, as this couple finds when they relocate for Sven's first job as the local doctor.

"Patrik Age 1.5" concentrates on the couple, Goran and Sven, and the strains the relocation and botched adoption bring. The path to the end is not easy, and the resolution that does come feels earned, rather than forced. It's a worthy effort, and worth seeing.

Not rated. 103 minutes. Ella Lemhagen - Director / Writer (writer), Michael Druker - Writer (play), Tomas Michaelsson - Producer, Marek Septimus Wieser - Cinematographer, Fredrik Emilson -Composer, Lene Willumsen - Production Designer, Thomas Lagerman - Editor. In Swedish with English subtitles. Distributed in the U.S. by here! Films.

Principal actors: Gastaf Skarsgard, Torkel Petersson, Tom Ljungman, Annika Hallin, Jacob Erickson, Anette Sevreus.

Agora ***

An interesting failure, "Agora" has the elements that should make for a relevant motion picture: a famous woman philosopher and teacher in fourth century Alexandria, Hypatia, whose death at the hands of a Christian mob, which also burned the great library, is generally considered the end of the classical era. Feminism, science versus religion, politics, murderously intolerant religious zealots, cynical politicians - it's all there for the shaping. Unfortunately, this handsome spectacle, with a reported budget of $70M, misses the mark dramatically and historically. The story, one feels, is almost there, but even the luminous Rachel Weisz cannot save this script from its inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and silliness. Still, as a spark to consider the issues raised - Christians as Taliban, anyone? - it offers a new, if ancient, perspective.

Rated R. 127 minutes. Alejandro Amenabar - Director / Writer, Mateo Gil - Writer, Alvaro Augustin - Producer, Fernando Bovaira - Producer, Xaxi Gimenez - Cinematographer, Dario Marianelli -Composer, Guy Hendrix Dyas - Production Designer, Nacho Ruiz Capillas - Editor. A Spanish production, but shot in English. Distributed in the U.S. by Newmarket Films.

Principal actors: Rachel Weisz, Max Minghella, Oscar Isaac.

Step Up 3D ***

An energetic 3D hip hop dance competition movie with attractive young people. What's not to like? You were expecting a love story? Social commentary? Inventive visuals? Inspired choreography? Actually, there's just enough of all of the above to make this a pleasantly diverting trip to the cinema. Rick Malambri is the pretty face, but Adam G. Sevani is the real dancer. I enjoyed it.

Rated PG-13. 107 minutes. Jon chu - Director, Amy Andelson - Writer, emily Meyer - Writer, Duane Adler - Writer (characters), Erik Feig - Producer, Jennifer Gibgot - Producer, Adam Shankman -Producer, Patrick Wachsberger - Producer, Ken Seng - Cinematographer, Bear McCreary - Composer, Devorah Herbert - Production Designer, Andrew Marcus - editor. Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Principal actors: Adam G. Sevani, Rick Malambri, Sharni Vinson.

The Other Guys ***

OK, here's a Will Farrell movie I actually liked. It's a nice concept: two mismatched NYC detectives, a nerd with surprises (Farrell) and an old timer with surprises (Mark Wahlberg), team up to try to become as good as their idols on the force. A send-up of '80's cop buddy movies, it's totally silly and over the top, a romp. It's great to see Wahlberg in a comedy, the wonderful Michael Keaton in a dual role as both police captain and Bed, Bath and Beyond manager, and, as always, great to see Eva Mendes, especially when she's being just as silly as the boys.

Rated PG-13. 107 minutes. Adam McKay - Director / Writer, Chris Henchy - Writer, Patrick Crowley - Producer, Jimmy Miller - Producer, Oliver Wood - Cinematographer, Jon Brion - Composer, Clayton Hartley - Production Designer, Brent White - Editor. Distributed by Columbia Pictures.

Principal actors: Will Farrell, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton.

Salt ***

A decent action/thriller about a CIA agent (Angelina Jolie) who goes on the run after a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy. The plot twists and action sequences are by the book, but well done. Jolie, who famously does many of her own stunts, is effective in the role.

Rated PG-13. 100 minutes. Phillip Noyce - Director, Kurt Wimmer - Writer, Lorenzo di Bonaventura - Producer, Sunil Perkash - Producer, Robert Elswit - Cinematographer, James Newton Howard -Composer, Scott Chambliss - Production Designer, Stuart Baird - Editor, John Gilroy - Editor. Distributed by Columbia Pictures.

Principal actors: Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, Chiwetel Ejiofor.