Review of 42 (2013) by Ethan L — 04 Oct 2013
An earnest, if flawed, take on the rise of Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) and what his breaking the color barrier in baseball did for civil rights. Boseman looks and fits and part of Robinson, and is tasked with showing his emotional state, especially controlling his temper, despite the racist name calling done by both fans, players, and opposing managers alike.
The acting all-around is solid, especially Harrison Ford as owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Branch Rickey, who gives his best turn in nearly two decades. The problems with the film lie with how watered down the approach is overall.
This could have been a stellar film had it been allowed to push the envelope and maybe even earn itself an R-rating given the specifics of this story, instead we get a Hollywood-ized feel good-ery affair where you can see everything coming a mile away and the film fails to leave a lasting mark.
With that said, it is far from terrible, it is enjoyable in spurts, but it could have been so much more.
This review of 42 (2013) was written by Ethan L on 04 Oct 2013.
42 has generally received positive reviews.
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