Review of 42 (2013) by Maksim B — 23 Oct 2013

As any other sports movie centered on the Afro-American struggle for equality, 42 is a touching, compelling and almost inspirational sports drama about the first Afro-American baseball player in the Major League. With likeable cast and a classic, but formulaic, underdog story, this movie is definitely a delivery to be liked and enjoyed but unfortunately it would never be loved due to serious lack of tension and emotional sharpness.

The story about Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) is as formulaic as it could be expected from such a sports drama. It depicts his first year in the baseball Major League, the challenges he went through and the turmoil which his presence caused. With solid pacing, huge dose of sentimentality and self-assured performance by Chadwick Boseman, director Brian Helgeland has crafted a sweet and touching story which succeeds to be the perfect "feel good" maker even if the baseball rules seem to be quite strange for non-American audiences.

Unfortunately, if compared to other similar deliveries (Remember the Titans, for example), 42 has a huge issue: the story goes smoothly, Chadwick Boseman is self-assured and there is literary no tension in the whole movie. The actual dramatic and emotional loads are limited to one terrific scene between Boseman and the coach of the Philadelphia team. The audience is still kept intrigued, but there is no way for the audience to really love this movie.

In conclusion, 42 is one of those fine sports dramas, which reward the viewers, but do not completely impress. Predictable and without sufficient sharpness it is a forgettable crowd pleaser, best seen at home.