The opening disclaimer in any movie that states it is 'based' on true events makes me question how much creative license was taken in crafting the story. I believe that 42, which is the story of Jackie Robinson's (Chadwick Boseman) journey through breaking the color barrier in American baseball took much of its creative license in toning down the racism that Mr. Robinson must have faced. This story was told with so much heart and sensitivity that I didn't leave angered by the large scale intolerance that was pervasive at that time in our history but feeling proud that this man who was once a fatherless child could make such an impact on my history. This wasn't just the story of how Mr. Robinson's talent played a part in bringing about tolerance in baseball but also told the tale of how instrumental Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) was in making this moment in time take place. The fact that there was a scene in which Mr. Rickey speaks on his motivation just makes the tale all the more endearing. I know that the story is based on true events but not all true stories are engaging. His character and strength were portrayed with clarity and conviction by Mr. Ford, I am forever and always a Han Solo fan. This is a story that needed to be told for someone like me who had heard about Jackie Robinson but had not given a great deal of thought to the depth of his triumph. He was before my time, in fact when the story takes off my mother was only six. This is the type of film that makes everyone feel a little better when exiting the theater and the pre credits statements that informed the audience of where some key character's lives carried them was a testament to who was on the right or wrong side of history. The film did a phenomenal job of recreating the era from the location shots, to the automobiles and the attire, everything and everyone looked authentic. I barely noticed the 2 plus hours running time because this story was so very entertaining. The only time that I felt really uncomfortable was when Ben Chapman (Alan Tudyk) taunted Jackie during a game which was much like the chorus of the Trinidad James song All Gold Everything, which also makes me uncomfortable. This film gets a glaring green light.
Review of 42
