Moneyball (*****)

Following in the traditions of some of the greatest sports movies, Moneyball at times seems to top them all, becoming a film that is both an enormous crowd pleaser as well as a tightly-crafted human drama. The film has slowly begun to reap awards regardless of its early Fall release date, and there is no question that it deserves every accolade it receives.

Based on a true story, the film follows Billy Beane, the General Manager for the Oakland Athletics. Upon meeting Peter Brand (played remarkably well by Jonah Hill) who is a Yale graduate with a scientific mindset towards the game of baseball, the two begin a never before tried experiment of how to win games, ultimately resulting in their record-setting 20 win streak in 2002.

Bennett Miller, the director who made Capote, perhaps the finest film of 2005, brings his unique touch in creating moments of somber darkness and character contemplation. Many have noted the film has a definite slower pace for a sports film, but nothing feels more right. The loud atmosphere of sports arenas contrasts with the quiet and dark spaces behind the scenes.

Of course, this film revolves around Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt, and it is perhaps the most remarkable performance of his career. Having amazed us consistently with films from The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Babel, The Assasination of Jesse James, and even Se7en, it could be argued that Pitt is at his career-best. It is not as showy of a performance as his disciplinarian father in this year's The Tree of Life but he captures the pure spark of a man who will not give up. His performance, coupled with Jonah Hill's more subdued character, make up some of the best acting of the year and should easily garner Oscar nominations for both men.

Moneyball is a true success. There is not a flaw to be found in the screenplay (co-written by last year's Oscar winner for The Social Network Aaron Sorkin) nor in the performances or the pacing. This is truly a great film, and one that I can't wait to watch one more time.

(Awards potential: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Pitt), Best Supporting Actor (Hill), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Sound Mixing)