Some people are saying that Moneyball is the greatest sports film ever made. Others argue that it is over-hyped and far from Oscar worthy. Its recently revealed Oscar nominations have sparked heated arguments between moviegoers as to how much credit the film deserves. How good was it really? Allow this humble reviewer’s opinion to be the official tiebreaker of this escalating quandary.
The film is based on the true story of Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) the general manager of the Oakland A's who is left with a next to nothing budget to put together a winning baseball team. He attempts to schmooze and sweet talk his way into getting the players he needs, trading his players as if they were actual baseball cards. Beane finds his lack of funds are making it nearly impossible. Beane encounters Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) in his dealings and senses he is an untapped resource. After hearing Brand’s theory on winning based on a computer generated analysis of the player’s strengths, Beane hires him to put together his dream team. They strategize a mathematically sound way of putting a team together rather than relying on the senses of old time scouts. Beane puts everything on the line by playing the game a new and controversial way.
The film was directed by Bennett Miller (Capote) and was adapted from the 2003 Michael Lewis novel of the same name. Many have said the book would be impossible to make into a film. Heavy on baseball statistics and strategies, many felt it was something only hard-core baseball fans could appreciate. Miller has proven this is not true. The movie was well written and directed and can easily be appreciated by those who aren’t big baseball fans. The plot was informative and interesting and the cast delivered quality performances.
Here in lies the big question. Is this film Oscar worthy? To answer this question, one needs to reflect on what it means to be Oscar worthy. Oscar caliber films exhibit unforgettable performances that move and impact audiences. They can be described as “works of art”, the likes of which have never been seen. So, is Moneyball Oscar worthy? The answer is no. Miller delivered a good baseball film with good acting. Nothing more. Brad Pitt’s performance was successful and accurate to the character he portrayed. Jonah Hill departed from his normal awkward comedian shtick and played a straight laced Yale graduate. Neither performance could be viewed as award winning or even particularly challenging.
While the film may not be an Oscar winner, it is certainly worth seeing. Moneyball deserves a small round of applause…just not a standing ovation.
Rating – B If you want to see an entertaining baseball movie, you’ll enjoy this film.
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