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42 is a straight forward, factual depiction of Jackie Robinson's first season in previously segregated minor and major league baseball (Robinson playing for Montreal Royals and Brooklyn Dodgers). It is generally well cast and acted (it reminded me of Lincoln in that regard). Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson and Harrison Ford as Branch Ricky give solid performances. Nicole Beharie is really good as Rachel Robinson. Lucas Black does a great Pee Wee Reese. And with limited involvement, Christopher Meloni almost steals the movie as Leo Durocher. The production values are high and the feel of the era is captured.
The writing is a bit flat and predictable (a danger with historic stories)--but it depicts the difficulties of that first year for Robinson. Overall I recommend it.
Update:
Movie praised for its historic accuracy.
Update:
Movie praised for its historic accuracy.
The sports biopics genre has been overdone many times before, and we know most of them will play out. 42 is the story of baseball legend Jackie Robinson. What makes this biopic different from others is that the story of the person was one of perseverance in the face of discrimination. The film has an effective and talented cast of actors, and Harrison Ford delivers one of his strongest performances in many years. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is true. It is an important story well worth seeing (as well as reading about in other first hand sources). Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson and Harrison as Branch Rickey both gave great performances, but I thought Christopher Meloni as Leo Durocher almost stole the movie.
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