42 (Helgeland, 2013)

Like the title number's baseball legend, 42 steals home quite frequently.

Elevated by grand slam performances from both Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford, 42 is a home run. There are only a couple minor foul balls, and nearly everything in this film seems to avoid strikeouts. The director nicely addresses several of the curveballs that came across the hero's journey, from a screwball opposing manager to a country seeming to want to take a permanent seventh inning stretch on Robinson.... Ok, no more baseball puns. 

Jackie Robinson is arguably one of the greatest baseball players of all time, and easily remains the most influential. The first African American Major League player, his story seems destined for the cinema. Director Brian Helegand fuels Robinson's story with electrifying passion, reminding viewers of what it means to be a true hero.

Despite valiant fighting in World War II, African Americans returned from the war to find their country just as racist as before. Though some aspects of American life begins to integrate, the sport of baseball remains one of racism's most fueling enterprises. The Brooklyn Dodger's team executive, Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford), seeks to bring a change to baseball by adding the first Major League African American player to the team. He faces strong opposition in the search to find the right athlete for the job. Eventually, he comes across Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman), a talented baseball star in the African American league.

Robinson has the talent, but his temper against racist America makes Rickey concerned. In exchange for a chance for a spot on the Brooklyn Dodgers, Robinson promises to hold his anger against the prejudice that is almost guaranteed to follow him. He signs for the Minor League Montreal Royals, where he quickly proves his quality against his white teammates and rivals. However, the path of racism proves a difficult challenge for Robinson. But with his wife Rachel (Nicole Beharie) and Rickey as encouragement, Robinson soon becomes the American icon that fans know him as today.

The actors shine in 42, led by a committed performance from Boseman. He remains a believable fit for Robinson, playing the legend with respect and grace. The supporting players are equally as entertaining, including a brutally racist Phillies' coach (Alan Tudyk) and hard-as-nails Dodgers manager Durocher (Christopher Meloni). Beharie in particular does not dumb down to the annoyance that seems to follow sports film love interests.

However, the real scene stealer is Harrison Ford, who gives his best performance in nearly a decade as Rickey. His strong yet humorous role has a lot of heart, and his journey remains just as interesting as Robinson's. Rickey provides wisdom and optimism when all others fail, making his almost father-like part in Robinson's story a truly touching sentiment. Harrison Ford should not be missed in 42.

Brian Helegand, known for his powerful screenplays in films like L.A. Confidential and Mystic River, strangely slips on the dialogue. It routinely reverts to unrealistic cliched lines, adding unnecessary drama to an already poignant story. The tale of Jackie Robinson remains inspiring enough without the need for extra fluff. Nevertheless, the execution in direction saves Helegand from disappointing.

The cinematography during the baseball sequences is crisp and understated, putting audiences right on the field with Robinson. Viewers can sense both the stress of the pitchers and the assurance of #42, feeling every ball thrown at Robinson during the games.

Never was there as great a baseball player as Jackie Robinson. Baseball fans will appreciate 42's allusions, baseball scenes, and Ford's expert performance. #42 to this day remains the only number retired from baseball, and the film based on the number and the man who wore it tells their story well.

Four out of five stars.