Review of Moneyball (2011) by Matthew D — 29 Sep 2018

A phenomenal sports film about baseball and humanity.

Moneyball (2011) is the best sports movie in years with gripping human drama. Brad Pitt brings such empathy and understanding to the role of Billy Beane. You will be rooting for the storybook ending, but end up getting something much more resonant and profound. You will learn about baseball, management, and marriage without needing any prior expertise or knowledge. I do not even care about baseball, but Moneyball will make you romanticize the sport like only the greatest sports film can accomplish.

Moneyball boasts some of the finest cinematography you will ever get in a major motion picture. The numerous far wide shots of baseball stadiums and urban scenery are stunning! Long panning shots down hallways and intimate close ups and medium shots in offices will make even the most mundane locales fascinating. You get the gorgeous setting of complete realism brought to life with vivid color.

Moneyball takes on a human drama with hopeful intentions and great speed. You get engaged by the intriguing choices and unbelievable story. It is hard to believe because it is real and grounded. Moneyball is unlike any other baseball movie.

Jonah Hill gives perhaps his finest performance ever. He endears himself to you as the brilliant and awkward economics graduate with a mind for baseball statistics. I think audiences will put themselves in his shoes. He adds a genuine feel and great natural humor to Moneyball. Together alongside Pitt's likability and comedic prowess, they build a baseball roster with heartfelt drama. I bet Hill may even make you cry.

From Bennett Miller's stellar direction to Aaron Sorkin's realistic writing, Moneyball is a joy to watch. In revisiting it, Moneyball is even better than I remembered. Behold the story that changed baseball management forever.