So, I went to see Moneyball last night and I was just delighted. I had seen some reviews where people said it was too long and there were not enough scenes of actual ball play but, come on, that's not what this movie is about. Moneyball is about the inner workings of the team. What goes on behind the scenes, trying to gain ball players on a budget. I walked out of that movie with a fire burning in my heart. Burning with the love for my city and my team. I also now have a rekindled love and respect for Brad Pitt. This, to me was a love letter to the city of Oakland and The Oakland A's. Pitt told NY Magazine It was a story he was obsessed with. "I saw it as a story about justice," he said. "How is a team with a $40 million payroll going to compete with a team with a $140 million payroll and another $100 million in reserves? Any talent they grow is going to get poached by the rich teams. That became really interesting to me."
I loved seeing the inside of the clubhouse. And witnessing the politics Beane and Brand had to power through and the tricks he had to pull out of his hat to get what he wanted was exciting...at least it was for me :). Jonah Hill as Peter Brand is delightful as always playing the fish thrust out of water into knew and uncomfortable situations. But, as usual,he is sweet and endearing. You gotta love him.
Anyway, as I was saying, I walked out of this movie full of smiles, completely thrilled with what I had just seen, and feeling that every Oakland resident and A's fan should watch this movie so that they can remember what it used to be like. To regain the thrill of the game and the pride for our city and team we ALL used to have. I think alot of people have lost it. I have always known the Bay Area to be loyal to our teams, ALL of our teams. Remember the jerseys and hats that had both the A's and the Giants on them? We gotta get that back. We have to keep them here and we have to show them more love. I accept my fault in not attending any games this season OR last season. I don't have a jersey or a hat anymore(such a bad fan). I do love them though and always will.
I was telling my Mom and a friend about the movie and actually burst into tears when describing the beautiful shots of the Coliseum and surrounding warehouse and dock areas. I am so used to these movies showing only the bad parts of Oakland, making us out to be an undesirable city. Credit to the cinematographer Wally Pfister for those beautiful shots. I felt silly crying but, my friend said it showed the passion I have for my team and my hometown and it's true. I truly disslike the way our city and teams are portrayed in the media. Like Billy Beane said "There are rich teams and there are poor teams, then there's fifty-feet of crap, and then there's us."
I have to give credit to Billy Beane for doing what he did, Michael Lewis for writing the book, and Brad Pitt for getting the movie made.
Thank you Thank you Thank you
