Review of Moneyball (2011) by Andre W — 07 Jul 2014

Have to say, I really liked this film! Initially I thought this wouldn't interest me since I'm not a baseball fan, but the movie is so well made you don't have to love baseball to appreciate it. The actors make you care about it, the cinematic camera pans of the grass and the stadiums are done with such care and reverence, it's hard not to get caught up in the romance of the sport. It reminded me a bit of The Wrestler from a few years back and how that affected a lot of people who didn't really care for wrestling. In a sense, the movie is not really about baseball, it's about rising above and not following the status quo, even when you put yourself at great risk doing so.

It was surprisingly very funny and true to the sport. Easily the best role I've seen Jonah Hill in (and yes, better than he was in The Wolf of Wallstreet). He's really solid in his supporting role and almost steals it from Brad. This movie has the best musical score I've heard from 2011 (or at least I can't remember a film that tops it); it's really effective in driving home some of the important parts of the film. And I found it pleasantly ironic that film called Moneyball ends up concluding on the fact that life isn't always about money.

I thought Brad Pitt was strong in this film. It was a very subtle performance, but I think he nailed it. As I watched the movie, I really believed he was a beleaguered manager, frustrated with his team's inability to complete with the big market teams; I really can't say that about a lot of his roles. For once, I actually believed he was this character; I believed he was Billy Beane. His performance might not have been Oscar worthy (as he didn't win and I agree with that), but it was strong nonetheless.

One of the more memorable moments of the film is at the end when Billy Beane asks "How can you not feel romantic about baseball?". After seeing this movie I have to admit, I kind of do.

Don't miss this one!