Moneyball (2011)

Moneyball (2011) is nominated for 6 Oscars this year, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Brad Pitt as Billy Beane), and Best Supporting Actor (Jonah Hill as Peter Brand). We were lucky to sneak it in this week before the winners are announced!

still found here

Other recognizable actors in the film include PSH (Philip Seymour Hoffman), and Chris Pratt, from Parks and Rec. Oh, yes, and let's not forget Robin Wright, who played Jenny in Forrest Gump.

still found here

still found here

The movie, based on the true story of Billy Beane, tracks his moves as the Oakland A's general manager in 2002, as he attempts to field a winning team on a low budget, based on computer-generated stats rather than traditional scouting tactics. Beane and Peter Brand, a Yale grad, face abundant criticism and a rocky road as they work to change the way the game is played. The timing was perfect for a baseball movie, with spring training newly underway. It rekindled the excitement of the game, whether you're at the stadium, watching on tv or just listening on the radio. Now when's Phillies opening day?!

Movie Rating

Plot: 5

Cinematography: 4.25

Acting: 5

Average: 4.75

Dinner was "Moneyball" sandwiches, which were made with meatballs tinged green with a bunch of minced herbs. We added sharp provolone melted on the rolls and a side of marinara for dipping. Yum! We had mint chip ice cream for dessert—but sundaes with chocolate sauce and canned whipped cream would have been more appropriate. A couple other dinner ideas are "Beane" burritos, ballpark hot dogs (or maybe these, instead?), or Cup-o-noodles... for the super classy among us. Twinkies and cold cereal both make appearances as well.

Moneyball Sandwiches
Adapted from this recipe
Serves 4

INGREDIENTS
4 cups fresh basil
1 cup fresh parsley
1 cup fresh chives
2 thin slices white bread
1/2 cup milk
1/2 lb ground lamb
1/2 lb ground sirloin
1 tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 TB olive oil
4 bakery rolls, sliced
8 thin slices sharp provolone cheese
Your favorite marinara sauce, for serving

DIRECTIONS
Place all the herbs in a food processor to combine. Soak the bread in the milk for 5 minutes, then gently squeeze any excess milk from the bread; discard the milk. Combine the bread with the meat, the minced herbs, the salt and pepper to taste. Shape the mixture into 2-inch balls, you should get about 12.

Pour the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook, turning occasionally, until brown on all sides, about 10–12 minutes.

When the meatballs are nearly finished cooking, place the rolls under the broiler (or in a toaster oven) to toast lightly. Add two slices of cheese to each roll and broil another 2 minutes until cheese is melted. When meatballs are fully cooked, place three in each roll and serve with a side of marinara sauce.

Dinner Rating

Movie Relevance: 4.25

Taste: 3.875

Average: 4.0625