OK for kids 12+
Fantastic, inspiring baseball drama covers all its bases.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this inspiring, intelligent film based on Michael Lewis' bestselling non-fiction book stars Brad Pitt as a professional baseball manager who tries to reinvent the art of recruiting players. It's an incisive look at the classic game that -- thanks to pretty tame content aside from some swearing (including "f--k" and "s--t"), social drinking, and references to Las Vegas -- is age-appropriate for older tween sports movie fans and up. Plus, it has a strongly positive message about committing to a course of action and seeing it through no matter what.
- Families can talk about the movie's message. How do you know how far to take an idea or plan that you believe in? Is there a way to know for sure whether an idea is a good one?
- What is the movie saying about the world of professional baseball? What are the motivations of the owners? What about the managers and players?
- How does the movie portray technology? Do you think statistics are the best way to find talented athletes? Or are there other factors that coaches should consider?
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie has a pretty inspiring central message: Commit to a course, and don't let anyone shake you.
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Role models: Billy is guided by an inner compass that he trusts, and he's willing to put his faith in a system because he believes in the employee who devised it. He's also a visionary, finding a way to remake a game that's been played the same way for decades.
What to watch for
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Violence: One character throws things around -- and even upends tables -- when he's anxious and frustrated.
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Sex: A verbal reference to a character enjoying the naughty pastimes of Vegas.
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Language: Language includes a couple of uses of "f--k," plus "s--t," "hell," "d--k," "a--hole," "crap," and "damn."
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Consumerism: Lots of logos/labels on T-shirts, sporting equipment, and the like: Puma, MetRX, Clif, Gap, Gatorade, Rawlings, Pepsi, Oracle, and more.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some drinking in social situations. A few times, a character nurses a drink alone. References to how one character loves Vegas and got drunk there.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Moneyball by nancyflachs
I'm not always a fan of books-turned-into-movies, but I thought this was a great rendition of Michael Lewis' book. You don't have to be a baseball fan to like this movie and appreciate it's plot, and because it's a true story it's not quite your typical feel-good sports movie, although it definitely has that element. It held my interest right up to the end - partly because Brad Pitt was terrific, as always, and Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jonah Hill were perfectly cast for their roles, as was the rest of the supporting cast. The writing was flawless, and even with some dramatic poetic license thrown in, and a good dose of humor, almost every scene in the movie seemed to ring true. In many ways, this movie has something for everyone - great for the whole family!
4
Moneyball: B by MattH306
A good, but not classic baseball movie. Enjoyed the story, but the concept at times didn't translate well.
4
Moneyball is very good...perfect film with October approaching... by arjaybee
You don't have to be a baseball fan to enjoy Moneyball! If you are a fan of top-notch acting, Brad Pitt, or dramas based on true stories then this is your kind of film. The screenplay was co-written by Aaron Sorkin who gave us 'The Social Network' and 'Moneyball' is every bit as good.
5
Moneyball by jmich4
One of those movies that draws you in so you do not want to leave your seat...get your popcorn first! Warm, funny, interesting - def exceeded my expectations. Really well acted too. Highly recommend it for anyone.
5
Moneyball by fritgo
Loved this movie! Haven't been to the theater in a long time and really glad we did. Almost didn't see this movie because the star was Brad Pitt, but he was excellent and believable. Really like Jonah Hill as Peter Brandt. I laughed and cried as well as being held in suspense. Do you have to be a baseball fan to like this movie....maybe, but the true story is enough to keep anyone entertained. There is some strong language, but that is the only reason I would not take younger kids. There also are many life lessons threaded through out this movie.
5
Moneyball by guptill1
Great movie. Brad Pitt does a good job, not as great as other movies he has been in but enjoyable. The premise behind the movie (being based on a true story) make it so real that you forget you're watching a movie. All ages could see this movie but there are a couple of strong words that didin't add to the movie and all parents might not want their children to hear those.
4
Intriguing, realistic, and very entertaining by ws91
I work part time during baseball season for a MLB team, and I found the behind the scenes portrayals very realistic. I particularly enjoyed the scenes around the scouting table. Jonah Hill does a great job, Pitt is is usual implacable self. Very telling use of flashbacks to show Beane's early career.
For non baseball fans who might have wondered what the game is really like, this one belongs on the shelf beside Bull Durham.
5
Very good movie! by eilobr
Great movie! Very entertaining and better than I thought it would be. Maybe because I'm from the Bay Area, I found the movie to be especially interesting. Good performances from everyone.
5
Moneyball by aweiner4441
Anybody who is a fan of the game has to see this movie. Well done, great mix of acting and historical footage, great story. Fantastic movie
4
enjoyable by goodflicks0207
i'm not a baseball fan, but i found the movie to be interesting. good acting, but the movie did get a bit slow... all in all... it's worth seeing... makes you rethink how professional teams are put together and the money involved.