Moneyball
Moneyball (2011)
Me doing a sports film? Out of choice? That’s right. Relax your shocked faces. I first saw this upon release probably just because I like Brad Pitt. And seeing it on Netflix my interest was piqued because the avatar was my new hero Chris Pratt (during lockdown I was introduced to and devoured the brilliant Parks & Recreation) but you know what, it’s a fun film.
MONEYBALL is true story of Billy Beane, the manager of a professional baseball team with no money and grand aspirations. He eschews standard practice to hunt for talent and leans on statistical analysis to amass a low budget squad of heroes. In short; it’s sport for geeks.
The always charismatic Pitt plays the former pro; embittered with the flamboyant and seductive patter of traditional scouts who discover young players and pump them full of false hope and empty promises.
He’s on true Ocean’s Eleven form; cool, no nonsense and always eating. I love watching Brad Pitt eat food. I mean, I love watching actors eat, as it can’t be faked. He bites his sizeable bottom lip as he makes decisions and throws furniture in a fit of frustration like no other.
Counteracting Pitt’s likabliy is Phillip Seymour Hoffman delivering his reliable discomfort. Great actor and grossly underused as the team’s frustrated coach.
Bringing science to the field is former pratfaller Jonah Hill, striking out into serious acting and bagging an Oscar nom for his efforts. He plays the quiet Yale economics expert who favours facts and figures over pomp and ceremony (we could all do with that today, am I right?). He’s ok. And he’s oddly pretty when he’s upset, like a Disney hen. But let’s face it it’s astonishing he has two Oscar nominations under his belt. That’s the same as Batman Returns’ very own Christopher Walken.
With a screenplay by Aaron Sorkin serving spitfire dialogue this is an inspiring feel-good film, where daring new methods ruffle the feathers of the establishment with a trusty lead at the helm. Earning 6 Oscar nominations including Best Picture this is ideal for a Saturday night in with several pizzas and several more beers.
8 Data-influenced Thumbs Up!
