Moneyball
Moneyball is a 2011 biographical sports drama film directed by Bennett Miller and starring Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. The movie is based on the true story of Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team, and his use of statistical analysis to build a winning team on a budget.
Brad Pitt plays Beane, a former baseball player turned GM who is frustrated with his team's lack of success and limited budget. He meets Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), a young economics graduate who suggests using statistics to identify undervalued players and build a winning team. Despite resistance from the team's traditional scouts and coaches, Beane and Brand forge ahead with their unconventional strategy.
The film is a compelling look at the business side of professional sports and the challenges of building a successful team in a highly competitive industry. Moneyball explores the tension between the traditional "eye test" used by scouts and coaches and the newer approach of using data analysis to evaluate players.
Brad Pitt delivers a nuanced and subtle performance as Billy Beane, capturing the character's drive and determination, as well as his vulnerabilities and insecurities. Jonah Hill is also excellent as Peter Brand, bringing a sense of intelligence and wit to the role.
The supporting cast is strong as well, with standout performances by Philip Seymour Hoffman as Art Howe, the team's skeptical manager, and Chris Pratt as Scott Hatteberg, a former catcher turned first baseman who becomes a key player in Beane's strategy.
The film is well-directed, with a strong script that balances the drama of the team's struggles on the field with the business decisions made off the field. The movie's cinematography and editing are also noteworthy, creating a sense of energy and momentum that carries the story forward.
Overall, Moneyball is a smart and engaging film that explores the intersection of sports and business. The movie's strong performances, intelligent writing, and sharp direction make it a standout in the sports drama genre, and a must-watch for anyone interested in baseball or the business of sports.
The total score is
according to Rotten Tomatoes, a popular review aggregation website, the movie has a 94% approval rating based on 266 reviews, which suggests that it is highly regarded by both critics and audiences. The film was praised for its intelligent script, strong performances, and insightful exploration of the business side of professional sports. Additionally, the movie was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Brad Pitt's performance. It's important to note that a movie's rating is subjective and can vary from person to person based on individual tastes and preferences.
A movie with a similar atmosphere
If you enjoyed Moneyball and are looking for a similar movie, I would recommend "The Social Network" (2010), directed by David Fincher and starring Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Justin Timberlake.
Like Moneyball, The Social Network is a biographical drama that tells the story of a tech entrepreneur who disrupts the established order with a new and innovative approach. The movie follows Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), the co-founder of Facebook, as he rises to success with his revolutionary social networking platform.
The Social Network is a masterful film that explores themes of innovation, competition, and betrayal. Like Moneyball, the movie is intelligent, well-written, and features strong performances from its cast. Jesse Eisenberg is particularly outstanding in the lead role, capturing Zuckerberg's ambition, arrogance, and insecurity.
The movie is also notable for its direction, with David Fincher creating a stylish and visually stunning film that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The Social Network was critically acclaimed upon its release, winning three Academy Awards and being nominated for six others.
Overall, The Social Network is a must-watch for fans of Moneyball and anyone interested in the world of tech entrepreneurship. The movie's themes and approach make it a compelling drama that is both entertaining and insightful.
