a good story that needs a bit more thrust

Rating: Null/10 (19 December 2018)

Following a disheartening loss in the 2001 playoffs, frustrated Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane is concerned over the impending departure of several high-profile free agents. In a small market with a limited budget, Beane is given the difficult task of trying to assemble a competitive team with limited resources. With the aid of a savvy Yale economics graduate, Beane tries a radical approach by using sabermetrics to recruit undervalued players-much to the chagrin of experienced scouts who feel like he's gutting the team and jeopardizing all of their jobs. Features many of the usual elements you'd see in other sports movies including pivotal games, fast-paced action on the field, beating the odds, the high of winning and the low of losing, etc.; but it lacks character development, and doesn't end with enough emotional punch. Will probably provide the most enjoyment to ardent baseball fans or those who know more about the real-life figure. **½