Film Review: "42" (2013).

"In a game divided by color, he made us see greatness." This is the story of 42. This biographical sports film written and directed by Brian Helgeland. In 1946, Branch Rickey, legendary manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, defies major league baseball's notorious color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson to the team. The heroic act puts both Rickey and Robinson in the firing line of the public, the press and other players. Facing open racism from all sides, Robinson demonstrates true courage and admirable restraint by not reacting in kind and lets his undeniable talent silence the critics for him.

In 1995, Spike Lee planned to write and direct a film based on the life of Jackie Robinson. The film was set for a 1997 release date to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Robinson's breaking of the colour barrier, and courted Denzel Washington to star. But in 1996, the project fell apart over creative differences. In March 1997, Lee found favour with Columbia Pictures, who signed him to a three-year first-look deal. Columbia President Amy Pascal reflected that it would bring "enormous potential for Spike to reach audiences that are not traditionally associated with Spike Lee movies." The project eventually fell apart again. In 2004, Robert Redford set up a Jackie Robinson biopic as producer with his own production company, Wildwood Productions, and was intended to co-star as Branch Rickey. In June 2011, it was announced that Legendary Pictures would develop and produce a Jackie Robinson biopic with Helgeland on board to write and direct. Legendary collaborated with Robinson's widow, Rachel Robinson, to ensure the authenticity of her husband's story. She had previously been involved with Redford's project. By mid May 2012, Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford, Alan Tudyk, Nicole Beharie, Christopher Meloni, André Holland, Lucas Black, Hamish Linklater, and Ryan Merriman were cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced, and wrapped in late July. Filming took place in Macon and Atlanta, Georgia; Birmingham, Alabama; and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Utilizing old photographs and stadium blueprints, Ebbets Field, Shibe Park, The Polo Grounds, Crosley Field, and Forbes Field were recreated for the film using digital imagery.

The film stars Boseman, Ford, Tudyk, Beharie, Meloni, Holland, Black, Linklater, and Merriman. Strong performances were given by the cast. Though Boseman and Ford's performance was a better examination of Robinson and Rickey as the legendary infielder and manager than the actual people, anyone who loves baseball will be intrigued by the story of the determined men who broke the color barrier in the major leagues, and made baseball history.

With unforgettable Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford performances, 42 offers the legendary Brooklyn Dodgers manager and infielder a fittingly dynamic homage. What is surprising in this new film is the sincerity of the dramatization and the integrity of Mr. Robinson and Rickey. Too often, in films of this nature about sports figures, fanciful or real, the sentiments are inflated and the heroics glorified. Here the simple story of Mr. Robinson and Rickey's trail-blazing career is re-enacted with manifest fidelity and conspicuous dramatic restraint.

Simon says 42 receives: