Ep 5. From Superbad to Supergood in Moneyball

Peter Travers is back with season 5 of his hit show Popcorn with Peter Travers, and in episode 5 "From Superbad to Supergood in Moneyball," he explores the evolution of actor Jonah Hill from his early comedy days to his dramatic turn in the critically acclaimed film Moneyball.

Travers begins by taking a trip down memory lane, revisiting Hill's breakout role in 2007's Superbad, a raunchy teen comedy that quickly became a cult classic. Travers notes that Hill's performance as the socially awkward Seth helped elevate the film beyond its raunchy humor, earning him widespread recognition and setting the stage for his future success.

But Hill's career didn't stop there. Travers goes on to highlight Hill's impressive range, from his hilarious turn in films like 21 Jump Street to his more serious roles in dramas like Moneyball. Hill's ability to seamlessly transition between comedy and drama is a testament to his talent as an actor, and Travers is quick to point out that he has become one of Hollywood's most versatile stars.

Travers then dives into the topic of Moneyball, the 2011 film that marked a turning point in Hill's career. In the film, Hill plays Peter Brand, a young Yale economics graduate who helps Oakland A's General Manager Billy Beane (played by Brad Pitt) revolutionize the world of baseball by using statistical analysis to assemble a winning team on a budget. Hill's performance in the film was widely praised, earning him his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Travers discusses the challenges that Hill faced in taking on such a dramatic role, noting that it was a departure from the comedic roles he was known for at the time. But Hill rose to the challenge, delivering a powerful and nuanced performance that showcased his range as an actor.

Throughout the episode, Travers paints a picture of Hill as a thoughtful and dedicated actor who is constantly pushing himself to take on new challenges. He also touches on Hill's personal struggles with addiction and how he has used his experiences to inform his work as an actor.

Travers wraps up the episode by reflecting on Hill's impressive career trajectory and speculating on what the future holds for this talented young actor. Whether he's making audiences laugh or bringing them to tears, Hill has proven that he has what it takes to be one of Hollywood's biggest stars.