42: A Home Run

Perhaps, the hardest thing for any filmmaker to do when tackling a historical subject is to successfully create a plot that is both historically fulfilling and adequately entertaining to the common man.  Though “42” has some bumps in its storytelling, it manages to be enjoyable for both the history buff and the everyday movie aficionado.

42, the movie based on the life of legendary baseball great Jackie Robinson, tackles an array of subjects and emotions.  From one’s struggle for societal acceptance to one’s journey of self-discovery, the film is basically a lesson on life.

Focusing primarily on Robinson’s road to becoming the first African-American player in modern-day Major League Baseball, the movie shined light on a story that has been underrated for years. Though Robinson’s story has been immortalized on the big screen in the past, none of 42’s predecessors come close to the grandeur that this film exhibits.

Walking the fine line between being racially offensive and culturally aware, the film highlights the heavy doses of racism that Robinson endured during the late 1940s. With the “N-word” being tossed around so loosely during the film, even though it gave the audience a sense of familiarity of the time, the atmosphere grew quite unsettling at times – but perhaps this was director Brian Helgeland’s goal.

Beginning with Brooklyn Dodgers owner/president Branch Rickey, played by Harrison Ford, who made the executive decision to bring an African-American player into the then dominantly white world of baseball, the movie started off on an intense angle. It wasted no time getting to the action. Chadwick Boseman’s performance as Robinson, the iconic baseball figure, was one of seemingly selfless passion and heart. After the movie ends, it is hard to picture another actor giving such an impressive performance.

Though Boseman’s performance was arguably one of the best among the immensely accomplished cast, the film disappointed somewhat greatly in the choice of time. The movie’s main focus is 1947: Robinson’s first year with the Brooklyn Dodgers. While this is undoubtedly the period in which the “meat” of the plot of Robinson’s journey occurred, it leaves the audience wanting more. What happened before?  What happens next?

Aside from the surface plot of athletic achievements and success, the movie also focuses on Robinson’s relationship with his wife Rachel. Portrayed by the stunning Nicole Beharie, Rachel’s relationship with Robinson almost overshadowed the main objective of the film at times, as their chemistry on screen was spine-chillingly believable.

Ending with a “where are they now” segment of all of the major baseball virtuosos who were featured in the film, along with Robinson, the movie served its purpose … and then some. The sports enthusiast and the amateur sports fan alike would thoroughly enjoy this film, as it is not biased in its approach. While it focuses on the rise to stardom of a baseball icon, it ultimately exhibits the life of a truly extraordinary man.