Not everyone is a sports fan, but nearly everyone knows the name Jackie Robinson.
“42” is the story about the two years in which baseball legend Jackie Robinson broke through the sport’s color barrier. Although not a complete biography, “42” tells the highlights of the inspiring narrative.
Following World War II, the Brooklyn Dodgers manager decides that the time is right to recruit the first black baseball player into Major League Baseball. He spends hours going through the stats of Negro players, and Robinson is chosen from the Kansas City Monarchs. Robinson is offered a spot on the team and eventually given a place in the batting order. Robinson faces racism from his teammates, umpires opposing players and especially the fans. With help from his devoted wife, Rachel, Jackie proves that he has what it takes to be a professional baseball player and change the hearts of American baseball fans.
Although the movie isn’t perfect, audiences are able to see and feel the pain that Robinson went through when he was making his name.
Chadwick Boseman plays Jackie Robinson, and he proves a fine actor. He looks like a baseball player during the sports scenes, he acts like a loving father and husband when he is with his family, and he shows emotion in the scenes in which Robinson is feeling hatred and pain.
Harrison Ford is all speeches as Dodgers executive Branch Rickey determined to break the color barrier in the baseball world. Ford walks around scowling, yelling, and teaching short life lessons either in his sunny office or from the dugout. He is filled with wisdom for life, and he has a knack for delivering perfectly timed punch lines.
Andre Holland plays Wendell Holland, a black sportswriter, and he delivers a captivating performance. He seems to be less of a journalist and more of Robinson’s guide and mentor throughout the movie.
The most memorable characters from “42” are the ones who deserve to be remembered in history. Robinson and Rickey are baseball legends. Their characters are the American archetype: strong yet silent, and determined yet outspoken. Although there are occasional lulls in the story, most people love a good baseball movie. “42” is an exceptional film about a most extraordinary man.
Rating: Four stars
