Pauls Valley, Oklahoma —
Maybe it’s because math was always a special kind of hell for me throughout the education process, but any sort of award attached to a movie where it is the major dynamic seems like a cruel joke. Some might see it even more torturous to attach it to the steady game of baseball, though by some divine influence, this actually results in a formula not feared by those disinterested in either pursuits.
In fact, I will go so far out of my anti-algebra comfort zone to say this is not only lacking in terror, it is downright enjoyable. What we have here is a success in communicating a complicated idea, but one in need of being told to others who seek a way to beat an unfair system. “Moneyball” is a blend of clever plot arrangement mixed in with just enough humor and something to root for.
The story is semi based on the Oakland A’s and their unexpected success in the 2002 season, a miracle by many standards after putting together a mix of discards to replace great players they lost to free agency. The key man in this tale is their general manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt), who feels there is no way to compete especially with no real money there to pay for super stars.
After just about losing all motivation to even care, he stumbles upon a young man named Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) with a radical idea to put together a winning team who have good numbers, but are otherwise jokes of the baseball world. This too seems doomed to failure until the unexpected happens and what goes from the possibility of everyone losing their jobs turns into a chance to make history. The way the story is presented is nothing short of miraculous and while I doubt it wins best picture, there may be at least something for Pitt as well as Hill come Oscars.
Then again, if Sylvester Stallone can wow a bunch of self absorbed academy voters with the best film back in the 1970s, whose to say this did not at least earn the nomination. In any case, it’s something which will reach across to just about any family member... ask my wife, the same one who almost bought a second TV when I watched the path to the most recent Texas Rangers disaster.
Even the special features on the DVD are worth checking out and give something extra for those who want even more of what the real story was like for the people it’s based on. I’m not sure I’ll add it to my permanent collection, but I’ll never get tired of the jokes from the Ron Washington (Brent Jennings) character. As a result, I’d say “Moneyball” earns four out five home runs.
DVD rental courtesy of Family Video of Pauls Valley.
Movie Reviews
Related Photos
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Artwork for "Moneyball," now on DVD. Scott Rudin Productions, Columbia Pictures.
Discussion
‘Moneyball’ cash in the bank for best actor
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