MONEYBALL (2011)

It's been a long time since I watched a film that left waves of warmth in my heart, since I watched a film that I hoped wouldn't end.  Had I spent the money to see it in the cinema, and I wish I had, Moneyball would have been worth every penny, even including the overpriced tub of popcorn and bottled water.  I have very little interest in baseball and not a great interest in Pitt movies but after watching Moneyball I might be watching a little of the former and a lot more of the latter.   

Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) is the general manager of the Oakland A's.  Beane was once touted to be a major player but never quite fulfilled expectations.  When three of his top players are traded to bigger, better teams, Beane decides to radically change the way he strategizes his players.  With the help of yale graduate Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), Beane organizes a group of players who go on to make history as a team.  Moneyball takes us on Beane's journey as he goes against harsh and antagonistic criticism from all sides of the baseball world to implement his new assistant manager's analytical strategy of creating and manipulating a team.  His personal life is portrayed as well, involving the daughter he shares with a remarried mother.  It's a fun, sad at points but ultimately triumphant journey.  

Kudos to Brad Pitt for a performance that was truly wonderful.  So far I've only seen one other performance by the Best Actor Oscar nominees, but I almost want to say I don't care to because I want Pitt to win.  Or is it that I just want Billy Beane to win?  It might be that I want Billy Beane to win.  I just want something in this film to win.  Seriously, waves of warmth in your heart.

Jonah Hill gives a really good performance, a turn from his comedic roles.  Nod to the ever reliable Philip Seymour Hoffman, although I'm beginning to think he really doesn't give a damn.  Stellar work by everyone.  Chris Pratt who plays injured player Scott Hatteberg is especially adorable.

It's a beautiful picture, very nicely edited,  arranged with snapshots of various people and times in baseball history.  The soundtrack is really nice too.  Inspiring and quite lovely.  This film is just lovely in general, nice and lovely.  Am I gushing?  

For those interested in the non-fiction genre you might want to know that the film is based on a book by the same name. 

There's nothing negative to note about Moneyball.  No smart quips on this one.  I most definitely recommend for all.