Pitt is just as charismatic as he's always been

Rating: Null/10 (21 November 2011)

One of the films of the year! I don't know much about Baseball. I know how to play rounders, but not baseball. So when I read the synopsis for this, I thought I'd have a difficult time watching this, trying to understand Baseball's rules and terminology. I absolutely loved this! And if you're a fan of any sports team, I think you'll also love this film.
It's basically about two men Billy Beane (Pitt) and Peter Brand (Hill) who develop a statistical formula that helps them work out how many runs and wins they are can to achieve in a season. The team doesn't have enough money to buy the players they want, so they focus on the players they need and start looking for players who are more likely to contribute towards these wins, rather the future superstars who earn high wages. The idea meets a lot of opposition, from the backroom staff who believe in old school methods to the fans who are tired of underachieving. As the wins come and records are broken, their idea eventually wins over the board, players and the fans.
Performance wise, I can't fault anyone in this. The acting is flawless. Pitt is just as charismatic as he's always been and delivers a really passionate performance in this film. Not a major fan of his but he is brilliant at what he does and I won't be surprised if he gets another nomination in February for this. Philip Seymour Hoffman offers great support as the disgruntled team coach who clashes with Pitt's General Manager and just wants to do his job. Jonah Hill however is the star of this film. I can't stand him in films. I couldn't stand him in Superbad and Funny People. He isn't funny and I've never found him funny. But he's brilliant in this and is funny without being funny even though this is a drama. First time I've seen him in a film and not try and generate laughs with physical comedy. His chemistry with Pitt is spot on, making their scenes together really enjoyable to watch.
The film gives an insight in how business is done in the world of baseball. The trading between teams for players and the cuts that need to be made for a team to be successful. Script is wonderfully played and well written. Aaron Sorkin again doing a fine job with the screenplay. Bennett Miller's direction is steady and easy to follow. I particularly liked how the flashback scenes with Pitt's character were filmed. Moneyball is not just a drama about baseball, it's quite inspirational too. There are few clichéd moments in regards to that but none of them cringe worthy. The film flows well from start to finish and no point becomes boring. Even the scenes where Pitt isn't with Jonah Hill and he's alone in his car, having flashbacks or with his daughter are good scenes because Pitt has the presence to make those scenes watchable. All in all it's a great film and one I intend on watching again. Pitt and Hill put in great performances and Miller's direction is likely to be nominated for several awards.