Ok. That was my attempt to make a somewhat funny title. I failed. I'll get it back again as I put up more entries.
Anyways, back to my train of thought. Earlier this morning, I went out and saw another two movies. I would have seen three today, but I got a text message from a friend of mine the night before, so had to alter my plans, which is no biggie, as I'll likely just go out on Monday to see it. (I was going to see Abduction as my third movie if anyone is curious).
The first movie I saw, I barely made it in time for the bus (didn't have access to our only working car for the time I would have been out). I saw Moneyball this morning at 9:55 at the local AMC. Now that I look back at the film, it is kind of fitting that since the movie is about Billy Beane and the Oakland A's, that tonight of all nights, the A's went out and beat the Angels, in Anaheim, thus knocking out of the American League West title hunt, as the Rangers clinched the division title, and thus putting the Angels season on life support.
Back to the movie. If you've seen the trailer, you kind of get a sense that the way the movie is presented, and based on some word of mouth (which in large part I tried to ignore), this movie is a contender to at the very least be nominated for Best Picture come Oscar time next year. After seeing the film myself, I'd say that it's a pretty safe bet to make. The movie has it's moments that should appeal to a wide arrange of movie and sports lovers for that matter.
The movie in large part takes place during the 2002 season, and deals with the behind the scenes aspect of Billy Beane's dealings during that said season, as he did implement a type of baseball that many baseball fans today know as Moneyball. The film stars Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, and Jonah Hill plays Peter Brand, a statistician that came up with the concept of Moneyball. The film in large part is Jonah Hill's first real attempt at making a serious film (a la Jim Carrey), and in all honesty, was good in his role. Brad Pitt on the other hand, this type of role should come as no surprise as he's known for these type of roles. In all honesty, I wasn't sold if he could pass as playing the gm of a baseball team, but after the first few minutes passed, my doubts passed, and I was sold. His performance was really solid, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Pitt nominated for Best Actor in this film.
After seeing this film, I walked across the hall and saw Killer Elite, the new action movie starring Jason Statham, Robert DeNiro, and Klive Owen. This movie for what it was, which is an action flick first and foremost lived up to my expectations. However, I feel this movie could have been so much more, as it was actually based on a true story.
The movie itself takes place during the first few years of the 1980's, in fact, the first scene of the movie takes place during 1980 in Mexico. Statham and DeNiro play to hitman, with Statham wanting out, but is ultimately drawn back in, only to help free Huter (played by DeNiro). This right here, is where I feel they could have explained more and setup a better back story for Danny (played by Statham) wanting out. It felt a bit rushed, and not very convincing. Having said that, it's when Danny gets back into his old lifestyle and becomes a hitman to free Hunter, where the film takes off, and for the better.
Clive Owen plays Spike in the film, an ex-SAS military official, and ultimately is the villain in this film. In large part, he plays his role excellently, which shouldn't come as a surprise if you've seen some of his prior films. In general, the cast was solid in the film, and was very believable. My biggest complaint with the film however, although awesome, was the fight scenes. The fight scenes in this film weren't very convincing. By not being very convincing, I'm referring to the constant exchange of punches and blows, without them actually hurting the other person. If this were put in wrestling terms, it would be called no-selling. In some ways, because of this (with the fight scenes between Danny and Spike) were almost laughable.
Other than the fight scenes between Danny and Spike that I mentioned, the overall action in the film does makeup for that flaw in my opinion. Overall, the movie for what it is, is a solid movie.
After seeing both films, I would recommend you go out and see Moneyball this weekend, if you had to pick between these two. Either choice wouldn't be a bad one between these two movies, it's just for the monetary value, and the fact that Moneyball is hot choice right now, I would go with Moneyball.
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