42

RELEASE DATE: November 2013
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: True-Life Drama
RUNNING TIME: 128 min
STARRING: Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford, Nicole Beharie, Christopher Meloni
DIRECTOR: Brian Helgeland
WRITER:  Brian Helgeland
PRODUCER: Thomas Tull

SYNOPSIS
Hero is a word we hear often in sports, but heroism is not always about achievements on the field of play. “42” tells the story of two men—the great Jackie Robinson and trailblazing Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey—whose brave stand against prejudice forever changed the world by changing the game of baseball.

From Academy Award® winner Brian Helgeland (“L.A. Confidential”) comes the real-life drama “42,” starring Chadwick Boseman (“The Express”) as Jackie Robinson and Oscar® nominee Harrison Ford (“Witness”) as Branch Rickey.

In 1947, Branch Rickey put himself at the forefront of history when he signed Jackie Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking Major League Baseball’s infamous color line. But the deal also put both Robinson and Rickey in the firing line of the public, the press and other players.

Facing blatant racism from every side, even his own team, Robinson was forced to demonstrate tremendous courage and restraint by not reacting in kind, knowing that any incident could destroy his and Rickey’s hopes. Instead, Number 42 let his talent on the field do the talking—ultimately winning over fans and his teammates, silencing his critics, and paving the way for others to follow.

WHY SHOULD YOU OWN IT
Own it if you love sports movies or true-life dramas. The filmmaking here is unimaginative and the movie drags at key areas failing to deliver the emotional punch the story carries. It does however carry a strong message and some decent performances from the cast. 

BONUS FEATURES
The DVD consists of a lovely special feature “Stepping Into History” which includes behind the scene commentary and interviews with the director and cast.

RATING
6/10

REVIEWED BY:
Kgosana Monchusi @KreativeGangsta