Review of Moneyball (2011) by Shane M — 31 Jan 2014

One of the best films of 2011. Based off Michael Lewis' book of the same name (also based off actual events), Moneyball follows the 2002 season of the Oklahoma Athletics baseball team. Moneyball not only delves into the events and how they play out, but also show the impact it has on the characters themselves.

Moneyball focuses on the characters by exploring their past and other background info (education, dreams, family, friends, passing through life, the usual but well executed). Writers Stan Chervin (story), Steve Zaillian, and Aaron Sorkin (both script) keep the storytelling rich, the events, characters, and character development consistent and chronological, though as usual in biographical films, the history is altered at some points, but is overall very accurate (something that surprises me a bit), as well as adding humor for a unique charm.

Other great contributions to the picture are the incredible direction from Bennett Miller, and amazing acting, especially from Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, and Jonah Hill as Peter Brand, who got his first Oscar-nod for his work.

Jonah Hill shows a new side in acting that no one has really seen him put to use as much as he has done comedy films most of his career, but it does show that one day, he might take home his first Oscar within several years.

The film is a must-see, and another great sports film if you guys have seen Jerry Maguire.