Moneyball

            Over time there have been many movies done about baseball. Whether true or fictional it always seems like there's a new one that comes out every few years and usually they're done pretty well. In the case of Moneyball, for the lack of a better pun, it's money. The movie is based on a true story and the book "Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game" by Michael Lewis. That name may sound familiar as he is also the author of "The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game;" which is obviously the book the movie "The Blind Side" was based off of. Now adapting a movie from a book can be troublesome as you must deal with people's judgements who have both read the book and seen the movie. However, with me I have not read the book yet, though I own it, therefore I'm completely impartial to judge this film with out any prejudice.
           Moneyball is the story of the Oakland Athletics baseball season in 2002. More importantly, it's the story of how General Manager Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt, put together this team after losing three star players and using a budget around $40 million. While trying to figure out how to overcome these obstacles Beane meets Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), a special assistant to the GM of the Cleveland Indians. Brand tells him about a new way to evaluate players using statistical analysis called sabermetrics. Instead of the traditional way of scouting and putting value on a player's certain skill sets, sabermetrics has you value what they do on the field instead. For example, how often they get on base and score runs is more important than how much power a player has or how strong his arm is. Intrigued by this new way of thinking Beane hires Brand. Together they work an unconventional system to put together a team that they hope can win a championship, all the while facing doubts from people outside the organization as well as inside.
          This film is enjoyable all throughout as the audience is entertained by great actors working off of a great script. Moneyball was co-written by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin. Zaillian is the Oscar winning writer behind "Schindler's List" while Sorkin is the Oscar winning writer behind "The Social Network." Together these two put together a script that while watching, feels like a fictional story, but that helps make it connect that much more with the audience when you realize it is based on a true story. (Update: This pair's great writing has earned them an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay that would be shared with Stan Chervin as well who came up with the story)
         Acting wise everyone was on top of their game. Pitt is stellar as the young, somewhat carefree GM. He transitions back and forth seamlessly from the methodical, set in his ways side and big kid still having fun with baseball no matter what side of Beane. Though Pitt was great in this role Jonah Hill may have stolen the show. Hill's portrayal of the composite character Brand is a role many fans of his aren't used to seeing as it is a dramatic one. Hill is great as this young Harvard grad who's uncomfortable and unsure of himself as he's thrust into a job opportunity of a lifetime at such a young age. Together with Pitt their chemistry is great as the two's characters play off of each other quite well throughout the entire movie. (Update: Due to their great performances Pitt has been nominated for a Best Actor Oscar and Hill has been nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar)
         One must not forget Philip Seymour Hoffman's portrayal of A's manager Art Howe. Though small, he plays the long time manager and stubborn old style baseball guy great as he goes head to head with Beane throughout. Also, Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation) is solid as Scott Hatteberg, the long time bench player who is one of the main guys brought in to contribute and replace Jason Giambi. Plus, there's a great shot of his WSU Cougar jersey in the background when Beane goes to his house to sign him. Can't ignore that now can we?
          Anyways, overall I thought this movie was great. Like any good sports movie should it grabs the audience with its drama and hooks you into cheering for the team on the screen. Even I, a lifelong Mariners fan found myself hoping for the A's success while I watched, even though I already knew the outcome. (Update: I'm not the only one who thought this was a great movie as it's nominated for a Best Picture Oscar)
         I give this movie 3 1/2 out of 4 stars and a thumbs up. I recommend you go see it even if you're not a baseball fan as this movie is about much more than just baseball. This movie is out in theaters now as it was just release last Friday so you have plenty of time. Enjoy! (Update: This movie is now out on DVD and Blu-Ray and is available at Redbox and OnDemand)

Editor's Note: I know I said "Last Night" would be my next review, but since Moneyball is in theaters now it gets higher priority. Lookout for Last Night next time unless the same circumstances arise again.