Brilliant movie about why we love baseball

Rating: 10/10 (15 August 2015)

Brad Pitt brings the best of his acting talent to this biopic drama about what everyone loves about baseball. Based on the true events as well as the non- fiction novel by Michael Lewis, director Bennett Miller and writer acclaimed writer Aaron Sorkin takes a stab a story of the complexities of the Major League Baseball association, and the odds that defied expectation during these events. Pitt plays Billy Beane, manager of the Oakland Athletes disillusioned by the loss of the New York Yankees in the 2001 postseason. With the help of Peter Brand (played by Jonah Hill), an economics graduated from Yale, Beane recruits a team of undervalued players while coping with a tight budget. Rather than scouting, his method of recruitment involve choosing players based on home run scores and ability on base. Their unusual method of recruitment takes a challenge on the old-school traditions of baseball Phillip Seymour Hoffman plays Art Howe, Beane's manager who looks at his recruiting with disapproval.
Many may have seen classic baseball flicks such Field of Dream (1989), A League of Their Own (1992), and The Sandlot (1993), but none of these come near as fascinating to this one. Brad Pitt demonstrates a top notch performance as Billy Beane, he definite kind of performance that demands for your attention. Looking back at the previous roles in his career, it is easy for some to cite this one as the best performance of his career. Then you have Jonah Hill, who is known for mostly comedic roles, takes on his first dramatic role and his performance is nothing short of magnificent. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is also given a share of spotlight, but not enough to make this a memorable role of him. This film is also beautifully written, the script is pretty sharp. Though it doesn't quite pack the punch that writer Aaron Sorkin conveyed in his previous, 'Social Network' for an example; there is plenty of heart and flair to be experienced. It tackles on some major issues dealing with baseball and it does with wit and intelligence. Unlike most baseball movies, this one doesn't directly focus on a team trying to make it the top of the scoreboard, and instead revolves around the business activity behind the park. Avoiding all the sports movie clichés, the plot follows how Billy Beane uses an unusual fashion for recruiting players, and it goes deeply how it affects the system. It teaches the audience the behind-the-scenes story of baseball that many may have never knew, and it does such an amazing job with it. It also demonstrates a clear image of what baseball is about and what goes on behind the stage. Yes, it has some funny moments, it has its dramatic moments, and there are other scenes that will have you lifted.
Moneyball is one of 2011's best movies. This film is just so pleasing and so intriguing to watch. This would be very pleasing to baseball fanatics, as well viewers who enjoy the charismatic nature of Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill. Even if you are not much of a baseball fan, this one is definitely worth watching.