movie reviews Date
20112012
Take
5 p o T
Character-driven story drives sports drama With a dedicated cast and down-to-earth humor, “Moneyball” chronicles the struggle and triumph of one of the most compelling sports stories of the new millennium. “Moneyball” follows Billy Beane (Brad Pitt), general manager of the Oakland Athletics. After watching his team lose its last season game, Beane searches for a way to build a competitive professional team with only a fraction of the average MLB budget. This is the second Hollywood film from director Bennett Miller following the 2005 biographical drama “Capote.” Like his previous work, “Moneyball” is a polished, powerful and heartfelt character-driven story.
The movie’s positive tone can be attributed to its entertaining but never corny comic relief. Beane shows his connection with the team when he makes an awkwardly humorous attempt at an inspirational pregame speech. While Pitt delivers the script’s dialogue with confidence, he is most compelling when he sits alone, dealing with his past as a failed baseball player and his fears about his decisions as a general manager. Miller tells an uplifting story with talented actors. This feel-good movie may make even a die-hard Yankees fan root for the Oakland A’s — if only for an inning or two. — James Hasson
Witty banter gives edge to heartfelt comedy Echoing cross-genre films like “Click” and “Funny People,” which walk the line between comedy and drama, director Jonathan Levine’s dark comedy “50/50” is a creative mix of tragedy and humor. When 27-year-old radio journalist Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is diagnosed with a rare form of spinal cancer, he and his best friend, Kyle (Seth Rogen), vow to enjoy life while he battles the disease. Levine portrays Adam’s battle for his life without allowing the film’s humor to make
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light of the situation. The witty, awkward banter between Adam and Kyle is reminiscent of comedies like “Superbad” and “I Love You, Man”. Rogen is the soul of the film’s hilarity as the brash and perversetalking best friend. Cast chemistry allows the dark humor to shine while the director’s work pulls the viewer into a whirlwind of emotions, making “50/50” a welcome addition to a revitalized genre of more mature comedy. — Michael Reyes