Quartile rating: 8/10 · 1 rating
The story of Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane's successful attempt to put together a baseball team on a budget, by employing computer-generated analysis to draft his players.
Moneyball features a sharp, intelligent script (Sorkin co-wrote) that turns spreadsheets and roster decisions into compelling drama, anchored by standout performances from Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill. The subject matter — using sabermetrics to challenge baseball orthodoxy — was fresh for mainstream audiences, though the underdog sports-movie structure is familiar. Wally Pfister's cinematography is clean and professional but not distinctive. The ending is emotionally satisfying but somewhat bittersweet and open-ended, which suits the true story but leaves audiences without a conventional payoff — effective but not exceptional.