Preview: Moneyball (2011)

Synopsis:

The historical story of Billy Beane, the Oakland A's general manager, who begins using computer statistical analyses to hire his team on a budget.

• Poster: C-

Review:

And this is an example of when generic and simplistic don't work well. Sure, you have popular Brad Pitt on the poster, but it's not going to do much for the ladies. Even though it seems this is designed to draw the male audience to the theater by showing a glimpse of the baseball diamond, it still isn't expressive enough to hold their attention.

• Trailer: B-

Review:

Bennett Miller's second film (his first was Capote six years ago) looks like it could appeal heavily to the Jerry Maguire crowd. It doesn't look too disinteresting, but a lot depends on how easy the balance is between comedy and drama, which isn't immediately evident.

Oscar Prospects:

It's hard to say. Miller's Capote managed several nominations and even an Oscar for Philip Seymour Hoffman. Yet, we don't know if that was a one-off affair or a trend. The subject could yield strong support from those who don't think the Academy offers nominations to enough sports-themed movies.

Release Date:

• September 23, 2011

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (July 3, 2011) Original

-Wesley Lovell (September 18, 2011) New Poster