Moneyball (2011)

In this week’s Born to Watch, the lads swing for the fences with their deep dive Moneyball (2011) Review. Whitey, Dan on the Land, and Will “The Worky” take to the mound to dissect why this unconventional baseball flick, starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, continues to resonate over a decade later.

From the get-go, it’s clear this isn’t your typical sports movie review. The team kicks off with backyard renovations, foot fetish tangents, and a laugh-out-loud discussion on the bizarre world of Japanese vending machines, classic Born to Watch territory. But once they find their groove, it’s all baseball, banter, and brilliance.

Moneyball, based on the true story of Oakland A’s GM Billy Beane, gets the full pod treatment. The trio wax lyrical about Pitt’s understated performance, Hill’s against-type turn as the socially awkward numbers guy, and Philip Seymour Hoffman’s quietly simmering portrayal of sceptical coach Art Howe. Whitey makes the case for this being one of Pitt’s finest performances, yes, even better than his Oscar-winning turn in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Dan and Will aren’t far behind in their praise, though they’re quick to point out the poetic license the film takes with some of its real-life counterparts.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Born to Watch without the gang tackling the “overs and unders.” Will throws a curveball with a surprisingly low watch count, while Whitey admits he’s clocked in over 40 viewings. Dan, as always, brings the analytical fire, no surprise for a man who appreciates Michael Lewis’ storytelling DNA, also behind The Big Short.

The trio also tackles one of the episode’s core questions: Why are baseball movies so damn good? Is it the history? The romance? The slower pace that allows for actual acting? Whatever the formula, it works. From The Natural and Field of Dreams to Major League and Bull Durham, the guys rattle off their favourites with the kind of passion you only get from true movie lovers.

There’s also an appreciation for the film’s dry, cerebral tone. Unlike other sports flicks that rely on big plays and locker room speeches, Moneyball thrives on boardroom tension, Excel spreadsheets, and quiet moments of doubt. Yet somehow, it’s riveting. It’s a film about math, risk, and the emotional cost of change, and yet it’s as compelling as any game-winning homer.

Listeners are treated to the usual podcast hallmarks: mock trailers, roast reviews (with one critic thoroughly torn apart), and a beautifully read back-of-the-DVD synopsis that outshines the studio blurb. Whitey’s disdain for the critic who panned the movie is particularly entertaining, while Dan gives a thoughtful defence of Moneyball’s cinematic liberties.

The episode also veers into classic BTW chaos. There’s a spirited debate on the merits of Jack and Jill (spoiler: there are none), a nostalgic dive into The Inbetweeners as a sleeper hit of 2011, and an epic sidetrack into surfing journalism and Jonah Hill’s transformation from comedy darling to surf-culture punching bag. It’s podcast whiplash in the best possible way.

As always, the “Ordinary People” segment stands out, offering a nuanced examination of the film’s characters and the performances that bring them to life. The pod pays homage to Philip Seymour Hoffman, laments Jonah Hill’s real-life reputation despite his on-screen brilliance, and even finds time to praise an uncredited Spike Jonze cameo that nearly steals the film.

In the end, Moneyball gets the respect it deserves, a deeply human story wrapped in a sports movie shell. For the Born to Watch crew, it’s not just about baseball; it’s about challenging the system, betting on the misfits, and finding magic in the margins.

So whether you’re a sabermetrics savant or just love a good underdog story, this episode is a must-listen.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Join the conversation:

• Is Moneyball the smartest sports movie ever made?
• Could you build a winning team with just data?
• And is Brad Pitt’s Billy Beane his most underrated role?

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