Playing it safe

For those who know what a big baseball fan I am should not be surprised to hear that the first movie I've managed to see at the theater features the story of one of the most important figures of America's pastime. 42 tells us the trials and tribulations that Jackie Robinson faced as he became the first African American player to play in the Major Leagues. Relative newcomer Chadwick Boseman stars as Robinson and does an impressive job of portraying this complex, engaging figure. Through his performance we learn why Robinson not only had the skills to play professional baseball, but the resolve to be able to endure the extreme levels of prejudice he faced by breaking that color barrier.

The film primarily centers around the years of Robinson's initial entry into baseball. This proves to be a double-edged sword. While it makes the storytelling more focused, it also limits the story. I would have appreciated to learn more about Robinson's youth. Both to see the difficulties he faced growing up and also to see how he gained his athletic skills. After a quick montage covering the events that led to the end of World War II, we are thrust right into Robinson playing for the Negro leagues. The film also ends before Robinson won a World Series, which seems like the typical Hollywood way to finish the story.

The depiction of those events may have helped because what is presented turns out to be a relatively thin, simplistic story. Given that we know he successfully crossed that color barrier, the adversity and hatefulness he deals with because of his race become a bit repetitive. The fragmented way that these trials are depicted prevent the film from having any dramatic heft. It seemed clear that the film wanted to be as honest in its portrayal of Robinson as it could. As far as I could tell, they get all of their baseball history correct. Writer and director Brian Helgeland should be commended for providing us with a historically accurate film, it's just a shame that the story he told couldn't have been more compelling or deep.

Where the film lacks in a compelling narrative, it certainly makes up for in acting. For the first time in a long while, Harrison Ford gives a performance that does not feel phoned in. Playing Dodgers owner Branch Rickey, Ford nails each of his scenes causing an added level of electricity to the film whenever he was on screen. I also really appreciated the performance by Nicole Beharie, who plays Jackie's wife, Rachel. She has terrific chemistry with Boseman and also shows us why Rachel Robinson was such an important presence in Jackie's life. You also get fine work from a number of supporting actors including Alan Tudyk, playing a nasty racist who also manages the Phillies. Tudyk is known mostly for good guy roles, but he lets it all hang out here in displaying the type of bigotry that Jackie too often had to deal with when playing baseball.

For as much as I would have liked a deeper story, it's tough to really dislike this film. Robinson's story is so uplifting that you can't help but be inspired by seeing what he overcame. And if you're a baseball fan, watching a film like this can also reaffirm your love for the game. You can see that Branch Rickey brought Robinson in not as a stunt or to be a pioneer, but simply because he believed in having the best players having the chance to play this game. This is a movie to see not as a critic, but just as fan of baseball or inspiring stories.

There will probably be very few films this year that will make me feel as good leaving the theater as 42 did. I can look past a lot of its flaws and appreciate finally seeing one of the game's greatest figures have his story told on the big screen. I don't see how anyone couldn't have a good time watching this movie. I believe the fact that the audience that I saw this with gave the film a round of applause after it was over, despite the fact that the movie is now three weeks old shows you the power it has to move viewers. Do yourself a favor, grab some peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and enjoy this heartwarming tale of the old ball game. Grade: B