Review: 42

BY BLUE KAUFMAN

When one hears the words” based off a true story”, especially in regards to sports films, you can’t help but feel apprehensive. These stories, typically smothered by their own predictability, can be consistently counted on to feature overly sappy quotes, a happily-ever-after type narrative and of course, let’s not forget- a triumphant underdog. However, there are situations, when a sports movie is so sincere, so genuine that it surprises you with its remarkable depth. 42 is one of those movies. Having successfully survived its big-screen evolution (featuring a cast of new stars + Harrison Ford, no less!), 42 respectfully tells the tale of one of baseball’s most beloved icons.

Considering he is the only player in baseball history to have his number retired, the story of Jackie Robinson is no doubt a historic one.  Released on April 16 and Directed by Brian Helgeland (L.A Confidential) the film is set in 1947 and follows Robinson, a determined figurehead of the civil rights movement.  Newcomer Chadwick Bose, who does an impressive job in the part, plays Jackie Robinson.  Harrison Ford portrays the infamous Branch Rickey, the mastermind behind getting Robinson to sign with the Dodgers, therefore breaking the color barrier in professional baseball.

Playing a gruff businessman, Ford’s acting steals the show in his best performance since The Fugitive.  His character’s true motives (making more money) amplify the films realistic nature and prevent this easily sugarcoated topic from being patronizing.  His brutal honesty serves as a compass for the rest of the film and sets the stage for the racism Jackie Robinson must endure.

Fueled by the frustrations and limitations of a segregated era, Robinson is taunted at airports, rejected from hotels, and receives multiple death threats. Pitchers throw baseballs at his head and throughout his struggles he follows Branch Rickey’s instructions and proves ” he has the guts not to fight back.”

The casting of the Brooklyn Dodgers team is tight. Each player displays their own personality and quirks and they add to the story without ever crossing the lines into sappiness or comic relief. Their skepticism and confusion of whether or not to accept Robinson parallels the plot and blends in nicely with the overall finesse of the movies storytelling.

While the film is an eye-opener for those unfamiliar with the story, there are times when 42 can be interpreted as being too soft. Retaining a Disney-like quality, it follows a typical narrative arc and airs on the side of caution. Most of the characters are clearly distinguished as good/bad and with the exception of Pee Wee Reese (one of the teammates)- we are never in doubt of who will do the right thing.

There is one scene when Jackie Robinson is up to bat and the opposing Phillies Coach Ben Chapman (Alan Tudyk) spews antagonizing words of hatred at him. Spraying Robinson countless times with the N-word, his insults are nothing short of torment and we watch as Robinson’s resolve falters. You can feel the rage coiling up inside him as his splintered bat breaks on the ground in anger. He doesn’t fight back. That’s the kind of emotional complexity I wanted from 42, it’s too bad these scenes were limited.

Nevertheless, the few instances that capture the practicality of the pre-civil rights era do so magnificently. Coupled with cool baseball scenes and sprinkled with witty one-liners, the film floats on, providing an overall entertaining experience.

While 42 is definitely not devoid of faults, the flaws it has are forgivable. Although the movie may not have been a home run, it’s a solid double in terms of quality cinema.