42 – review

“42” is the story of how Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball.  The movie portrays the struggles he faces.  It’s a great story of prejudice, struggle, and inspiration.  The acting is great and the movie shows a personable hero’s journey.

Jackie Robinson, played by Chadwick Boseman, is a great baseball player in the Negro League.  Branch Rickey, played by Harrison Ford, gets the idea to put Robinson in the Brooklyn Dodgers.  He is met with death threats and prejudice from fans and players alike.  Can people come to accept Jackie Robinson as he proves his mettle on the ball field?

The acting is great in this film.  Boseman does an astounding portrayal of Robinson and shows a lot of pathos, as he must bottle much of his rage while wretched things are said to him.  Ford seems to be having fun with his role as Rickey and is very memorable and likeable.  There are many other great actors that make this movie really heartfelt.  It would simply take too long to name them all.

The story shows a good glimpse into the ugliness Robinson faced.  The movie is entertaining and was able to keep a person like me, who is not a fan of sports, wanting more.   The relationship between Jackie and his wife, Rickey, and his teammates, weaved into the tale makes it a really great inspirational story.

If you are looking for a heartfelt movie this is a good movie to look into.  It’s got a lot of heart and shows a great deal of dedication to the time period it is trying to portray.  The drama is high and you will likely enjoy the feel-good aspects to this movie despite the constant scenes of racism.  It’s great to see the progress society has made.