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Sound Off: Bennett Miller's 'Moneyball' Movie - What Did You Think?
by Alex Billington
September 23, 2011
Now that you've seen it, what did you think? It's baseball time! Hitting theaters is an adaptation of Michael Lewis' non-fiction book Moneyball, starring Brad Pitt as manager Billy Beane of the Oakland A's baseball team, trying to reinvent the way baseball is played using sabermetrics. Originally developed by Steven Sodebergh with an Aaron Sorkin script, it ended up being directed by Bennett Miller (Capote) with another script revision by Steve Zaillian. So how is it? One of the best sports dramas in years? Does it live up to the book itself? If you've seen the film, leave a comment below and tell us your thoughts on Moneyball!
To fuel this fastball, I really enjoyed Moneyball, but didn't love it, something seemed to be off about the first half, specifically the dialogue between Jonah Hill and Brad Pitt. It took a little while for it to get going, but once it did, that's when I fell into it and started loving it. But it has some issues with random subplots that don't go anywhere and the dialogue early on seeming a bit stale, but overall it's a well-made film that gives us a look at baseball like we've never seen before on the big screen. I really enjoyed all the archival footage and documentary-like bits that they kept in there, as it made it all feel more real and important, rather than just entertainment. It's a solid film and I certainly enjoyed it, but it wasn't good enough to make my Top 10.
What did you think of Moneyball? One of the best baseball movies yet or a filmmaking mess? We will remove any comments that indicate you have not seen the movie, as this area is meant to discuss the film only once you have seen it and can talk about your thoughts. Please keep the comments civilized!
Reader Feedback - 16 Comments
1
I saw it early and I loved it. Great Baseball movie.
YATEN24 on Sep 23, 2011
2
Just saw it. One of the all time best sport's movies. It was great fun. And I'm an Angels fan.
Mpzauner on Sep 23, 2011
3
I thought that it was the most boring movie ever and clapped when it was finally over-it would have been a great dateline or real sports segment-2 hours was too long
Southbchgym on Sep 23, 2011
4
Meh. I was bored to the max. Course it probably didn't help that I'm not a big Baseball fan.
Jrp7sen on Sep 23, 2011
5
Cant wait to see this tomorrow
The Detroit Dude on Sep 23, 2011
6
I liked the movie a lot. I'm a sports fan that loves statistics, and baseball lives on statistics. Also enjoyed the insight into how players are recruited, drafted, and traded. The scouts and assistants to the GM seemed to be real people. Very little was overblown, and for a sports motion picture, that's saying a lot.
Jproberts5 on Sep 23, 2011
7
Jonah Hill was good. Brad Pitt was good. But nothing I thought was outstanding or excellent. I am not a big sports fan, so that might have been a factor.
DAVIDPD on Sep 23, 2011
9
fantastic! as a huge baseball fan it was one of the most fascinating movies i have ever seen. all the behind the scenes things of the game were incredible..Pitt gave an oscar worthy performance. the subtlety of his performance was remarkable and jonah hill was great as well being very self depricating. great film
Bcopes37 on Sep 24, 2011
10
A must see, great story, great acting, great directing Wow
Nhlerner on Sep 25, 2011
11
I'd watch it if Jonah Hill wasn't in it. Can't stand that guy.
Ford on Sep 25, 2011
12
I'm not a big sports fan, but I'm a huge move fan. I loved Moneyball. Baseball (and sports, in general) can be a metaphor for life. The script hit all the right notes about success vs. failure and just being in the game as being the most important thing of all. I thought the writing, acting (esp. Brad Pitt and Jonah Hilll) , cinematography, editing (to include real Oakland A's footage) was all top notch. Yes, I spaced out a little a few times, but Moneyball often made me think of my own life in these terms and that is the true test of any story. Not just about baseball. About the underdogs going beyond winning to change the way the game is played. Great movie!
Dellmann on Sep 25, 2011
13
looks like if you're a baseball fan this movie is for you. Check!..will be seeing this ASAP
Keyneezy on Sep 26, 2011
14
I'm not really a baseball fan, but I thoroughly enjoyed Moneyball. The acting was all superb. Cinematography was good, the music was solid. Some of the writing during the first 45 minutes or so felt a little awkward but after that it really hits it's mark. Very different compared to basically all other sports movies. It was refreshing, and gave us a really interesting look into the world of baseball management.
horgin on Sep 26, 2011
16
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