Moneyball

The story follows Billy Beane (Brad Pitt), the general manager of baseball team Oakland A`s, who has high hopes for his team but is, unfortunately, crippled by the lack of funds. His aim is to win the World Series but this is, of course, impossible given the situation he`s in. Or is it?

Beane comes across Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), a Yale graduate who evaluates players using a statistical approach. Beane hires him and ends up putting together a team of nobodys who, on paper at least, can win him titles. With constant pressure from his bosses as well as his own pride with regards to getting the best out of his team, Beane has to make sure that this formula that he so strongly believes in actually works for him and his team.

This movie is a bit of a slow-burner and you`ll have to be in a good, patient mood to truly enjoy it. Plus, with baseball terms often thrown in, as well as statistical information that isn`t everyone`s cup of tea, it`s easy to get lost at times.

Pitt is remarkable as usual, showing once again that he can tackle almost any kind of role and isn`t just a pretty face. Hill shakes of his comedic profile and proves that he should be taken seriously as an actor too. Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill don`t sound like a good combination of paper but, hey, neither were the Oakland A`s and they did quite well for themselves.

But what really shines for Moneyball is the story itself, and the fact that it`s a true one too. So, did the team win the World Series? We`re not telling, you`ll have to watch it to find out.

Summary: Money might be the root of all evil but Moneyball is an honest movie that will make your day.
Rating: 3.5/5 Balvinder Sandhu

Moneyball opens 16 Feb.