This biopic stays focused. It aims only to tell the most amazing parts of the Jackie Robinson story. The result: a hard-hitting illustration of how self-control and self-belief can transform and elevate an uneven playing field. 42, the movie and the man, each serve as a cautionary/educational (and inspirational) reminder of America's embarrassing past.
That said, the film is a bit hokey. Writers have narrowly scripted the scope of each character. The leads, Rickey and Robinson, have no character arc. They are who they are and they don't change much. Thankfully, the antagonists do change, giving the picture a nice momentum. Boseman does a fine job, Ford is okay, but Christopher Meloni knocks it out of the park. Fans of "Barney Miller" will be pleased to see Max Gail again.
Solid cinematography, paced well, and propelled with the heart of a truly great, heroic story, this a film about character that seeks to help you define yours. Whether or not they like baseball, everyone in America should see it.
-- Books by Author/Illustrator Ross Anthony --
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