Taryn
Moneyball, tells the true story of Billy Beane (Brad Pitt), the general manager of the Oakland As baseball team, and his strategy to build a competitive team on a small budget. Instead of relying on traditional scouting methods, Beane, along with his assistant Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), uses advanced analysis to identify and find undervalued players. The film offers a fresh perspective on the sports genre, focusing not on athletic feats, but on innovation, risk-taking, and challenging the status quo.
While Moneyball is based on real events, it steers clear of the typical sports movie ways. There are no long, dramatic game sequences or rousing locker room speeches. Instead, the film centers on behind-the-scenes decision-making and the personal sacrifices necessary to change an entrenched system. Even viewers unfamiliar with baseball can appreciate the films exploration of leadership, resilience, and the courage to pursue a new path in the face of widespread skepticism.
Pitt captures Beanes internal struggles—his doubts about his past failures and his desperation for success—with subtle, powerful acting. Jonah Hill provides an excellent counterpart in his role as Peter Brand. Hills understated, sincere performance brings a quiet intelligence to the film, grounding the more volatile energy of Beanes character.
The screenplay, co-written by Aaron Sorkin and Steven Zaillian, is another highlight. Known for his rapid-fire dialogue, Sorkin infuses the story with sharp, intelligent conversations that keep the pace moving, even during scenes filled with numbers and contracts. The script makes complex ideas about baseball statistics accessible and even exciting, without overwhelming the audience with jargon.
The style is very restrained. It does not use flashy visuals or dramatized moments to create emotion. Instead, Miller trusts the strength of the story and performances to carry the film. The muted cinematography and realistic settings—offices, gyms, homes—reflect the everyday nature of the battles Beane faces, making his victories feel all the more significant.
Moneyball fits into the genres of sports drama and biographical film, but its appeal goes far beyond baseball fans. It speaks to anyone interested in innovation, leadership, and overcoming the odds. By shifting focus from athletes to strategy, it redefines what a sports movie can be.
Using a five-star scale, I rate Moneyball 4.5 out of 5 stars. It is a smart, well-acted, and thought-provoking film that challenges traditional sports narratives. With its outstanding performances and intelligent script, Moneyball stands out as one of the most original and compelling sports dramas of its time.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
04/28/25
Full Review
Jacob B
Moneyball isn’t your typical sports movie. it’s a smart, sharp drama about baseball, data, and defying tradition. Brad Pitt stars as Billy Beane, the Oakland A’s GM who teams up with a young stats whiz (Jonah Hill) to build a competitive team on a budget using analytics instead of old-school scouting.
With a strong script by Aaron Sorkin and Steven Zaillian, solid direction by Bennett Miller, and standout performances, Moneyball turns number crunching into compelling drama. It’s a story about challenging the system, taking risks, and redefining success on and off the field.
Rating: 9/10 – A must-watch, even if you’re not into baseball.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
04/14/25
Full Review
Kenneth L
As a stats nerd and a baseball fan, (especially during the era of the film) I really enjoyed this movie.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/19/25
Full Review
Regal R
80/100 - good sports movie. worth watching even if youre not into sports as the acting, dialogue, cinematography and plot were done well.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
03/01/25
Full Review
Tilman G
Moneyball convinces with a gripping true story and a clever narrative about the statistical revolution in baseball. Brad Pitt's performance as Billy Beane is strong, but Jonah Hill in particular steals the show with his calm but impressive performance as Peter Brand. The mixture of drama and sport works well, even if the movie seems a little too long in places and some scenes turn out too cheesy. Overall, Moneyball remains an entertaining and inspiring movie that is very well told despite its minor weaknesses.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/27/25
Full Review
Beau B
Brilliant, inspirational film. A testament to the romanticism and amazingness of baseball. A great depiction of the Oakland Athletics miracle season. Fantastic acting. The best sports movie I have ever seen.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/28/25
Full Review
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