Moneyball (2011)

Unable to put together a winning team due to what he feels are budget constraints, the manager (Brad Pitt) of the Oakland Athletics attempts to use statistics to create a competitive team. Based on a true story, this is a wonderful film. Normally, I'm apathetic to sports films but MONEYBALL isn't a ROCKY clone but an intriguing look at the behind the scenes workings of a struggling baseball team. Its two hours plus running time just flies by. Very little actual time is spent on recreating baseball games but the inside political maneuverings between teams, players and the money men. One needn't be a sports fan to fall under its spell. Pitt, who's in just about every scene, once again proves what a likable screen presence he is as well as a consistently fine actor. Jonah Hill (SUPERBAD) as the team's statistician makes an impressive transition from geek comedy to more subdued acting. Directed by Bennett Miller (CAPOTE) with a screenplay from Aaron Sorkin and Steven Zaillian and a fine muted score by Mychael Danna. With Philip Seymour Hoffman, a shamefully wasted Robin Wright (who I suspect ended on the cutting room floor), Arliss Howard, Tammy Blanchard, Stephen Bishop, Chris Pratt and Kerris Dorsey in a winning performance as Pitt's 12 year old daughter.