The new movie ’42’ can bring back memories of the old hokey movies, but the story is so compelling that it will make even the most hardened filmgoer smile.Β Brian Helgeland is the Oscar-winning screenwriter behind “LA Confidential” and he does a great job.Β Helgeland tells the story of Jackie Robinson in classic Hollywood fashion.
Chadwick Besseman is the actor who portrays Jackie. He is relatively new to Hollywood and is an absolute revelation.Β Boseman does not play an avenged Jackie but rather a complex character with his justified anger and his admirable strength.Β Nicole Beharie is a beautiful and graceful Rachel Robinson, his wife who has been sheltered.Β Harrison Ford is Dodgers’ owner Branch Rickey, and he makes for a pleasant surprise.Β Ford is a new character to audiences. He’s a cranky rich man who has a strong moral foundation.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Lucas Black playing team captain PeeWee Reese and Christopher Meloni portraying Leo Durocher, Rickeyβs troubled manager. T. R. Knight plays Harold, Rickeyβs assistant.Β Alan Tudyk also plays Ben Chapman the racist, literally hateful team manager for the Philadelphia Phillies. His unrelenting taunts toward Jackie had the exact opposite result, as the teammates rallied around him.Β These scenes are sickening.Β Helgeland is not afraid to take risks.
It is not possible to pink paint over the ugliness and language of that time.Β This is his achievement and it’s why this film has such a powerful impact on many levels.Β It’s too long and certain scenes could have used a little more detail.Β While not a “home run,” ’42’ is an incredibly satisfying solid third-base hit.