42 – The Review

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and it’s time to crack open the windows after so many long months. Ah, springtime, when a young man’s (and many not so young) thoughts turn to … baseball. Well, it turns out that many in Hollywood have the old “horse-hide” on the brain too. This favorite American pastime has graced the big screen many times from light comedies such as ALIBI IKE and MAJOR LEAGUE to heavy dramas like BANG THE DRUM SLOWLY. One classic flick, THE NATURAL, could be classified a Fantasy allegory while another, BULL DURHAM, is a sexy bedroom romp. Of course, film makers have chosen to tell several real-life stories of the diamond with PRIDE OF THE YANKEES (Lou Gehrig’s tale), a couple of Babe Ruth biopics, and the lady players of World War II in A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN. Now Brian Helgeland (THE ORDER) is telling the story of Jackie Robinson in the new film 42 (that’s his Dodger number). But his is a truly unique story since he became a catalyst for great social change in this country. Can modern audiences relate to a sports story set in a time when many of today’s super sports-stars would not have been allowed to play?

A narrated newsreel montage places us back in those heady post WWII years. America’s back on the move in 1946. And things were about to change at the ole’ ballpark. Brooklyn Dodgers president and general manager Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) has a sure-fire plan to make “them bums” world champions. Much to the dismay of many in the organization, he decides to add a black man to the roster. Rickey’s been following the stats of the Negro League, and he believes that a young player from the Kansas City Monarchs, Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman), is just the man to take them all the way. Before Rickey signs Robinson to their international affiliate team, the Montreal Royales (as a tryout for a Dodgers spot), the men meet at the New York office. The GM explains that Jackie will suffer constant jeers and threats, but must have the courage to rise above the taunts and not strike back. Quickly marrying his hometown sweetheart Rachel (Nicole Beharie), the two travel down to Florida for spring training. Over the next few years they face an onslaught of bigotry as Jackie bares down to become an inspiring hero that changed the face of the sport, and, perhaps, the country.

An impressive cast has been assembled to tell this true sports and segregation saga. Boseman scores both an and off the field as Robinson. He’s got a believable physical presence as he plays the game, while showing the frustration that nearly freezes him up during some of the nasty altercations with fans, rivals, and evan team mates. Because Jackie will not fight back, so Boseman must communicate with tightened gestures and through his eyes. He’s not really able to loosen up until he’s re-united with his beloved Rachel, who’s played by Beharie as a beautiful, supportive angel with a rebellious streak. She’s got no tolerance for this “whites only” nonsense. The most flamboyant role is played by the film’s  biggest movie star, that is Ford as Rickey. He seems to relish diving into this character who’s miles away from his usual leading man work. With his round spectacles, frumpy suits, and guttural growl, there’s barely hint of Han or Dr. Jones. Early on, he almost veers into hammy cartoon  territory, but reins in the more theatrical aspects near the film’s dramatic last moments. Rickey’s blunt, stubborn, and often fatherly toward the boys on his team. That team is composed of a group of terrific young actors headed by Hamish Linklater’s funny awestruck Ralph Branca (great in a locker room exchange with Jackie) and Lucas Black (that can’t be the SLINGBLADE kid!) as Dodgers star Pee Wee Reese. Several TV vets round out the cast with ex “Grey’s Anatomy” doc T.R. Knight as Ricky’s right hand man, another doc from “Scrubs” John C. McGinley as radio play by-play man Red Barber, “Law and Order: SVU” cop Christopher Meloni as the tough, no-nonsense coach Leo Durocher (wished there was more of him in the flick), and funnyman Alan Tudyk of “Suburgatory” as the despicable former Dodger now Phillies manager Ben Chapman. During a crucial game Ben spews hateful epitaphs at Jackie with the constant force of a machine gun all with a look of dead-eyed ignorance, truly the face of bigotry. He may be the first great movie villain of 2013.

The film’s production team has captured that nostalgic golden glow after the US had finally finished that grim war to end all wars. The period suits, setting, and autos are impeccable (right off the assembly line). The movie really works best in the game scenes. Helgeland shoots them almost like the tense showdowns in Leone Westerns. Jackie hops away from a base daring the pitcher to try to stop his progress. When at bat, he’s not only looking to connect for a homer, but has to be quick to drop when the ball is used as a weapon to crack his skull (“What if they try to bean you?” “I’ll duck!”). Off the field the film has a tough time regaining its footing. Yes, Jackie Robinson was a real hero, but we never really get to know him as a human being, with foibles and faults (even Speilberg showed that “Honest” Abe could be long-winded and manipulative). When he does lose his temper in the hallway beneath the field it feels long overdue (and a real release for the audience). Luckily kindly Mr. Ricky’s there to calm the waters (at times the film comes close to the “white folks rescuing the poor, but noble black folks” attitude of THE HELP). The film ends with lots of photos and footage of the real people involved along with tributes from the major leagues. 42 is an earnest, well made film about our country’s not always glorious past. Robinson’s story is well worth the big screen treatment, but by keeping him on a pedestal we never really get to celebrate the flesh and blood man.

3.5 Out of 5 Stars