Of all the genres out there, baseball movies represent one of my absolute favorites, which is ironic when one considers that I absolutely detest watching baseball. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy going to Dodger Stadium, but I would much rather watch Rookie of the Year, Major League, or Angels in the Outfield than the standard nine innings. What captured my attention most about Moneyball was the strong cast headed by Brad Pitt, who is responsible for some of my favorite movies, including Se7en, Fight Club, Ocean’s Eleven and Inglorious Basterds. Rumor patrol had been hinting at Pitt’s performance in a baseball film for months, and the fact that this sports drama is biographical and based on now-historic sporting events guaranteed a strong interest among legions of sports fans. Sony Pictures had understandably high hopes for this potential blockbuster, promising a smart and engaging film showcasing its lead actor’s talent and making a play for the always-competitive Awards Season, so maybe Moneyball would be worth seeing despite my lack of enthusiasm for the subject matter.
Far from traditional, Moneyball is more a drama film about baseball than a baseball film, with more of the sport being discussed than actually played, and against every proclivity I have concerning “America’s Pastime,” I loved every minute of it. Smart, clever, humorous, and engaging, Moneyball takes the business and strategy behind baseball and presents it in such a manner that it is tremendously entertaining for even the most casual of fans…I’m sure baseball fanatics will go absolutely nuts. Brad Pitt gives the performance of his career, stylishly blending confidence with uncertainty in such a way he develops into the best kind of inspiring underdog. Another key surprise is the presence of a dramatically different Jonah Hill, who abandons his trademark snarky loser persona in favor of playing an endearingly enthusiastic nerd who doles out wisdom with the confidence of a Jedi. Bottom line, if you are a fan of sports in any way, shape, or form, you have to see Moneyball, a surefire new classic.
Overall Recommendation: Very High
