Thursday, April 11, 2013

42

I just came from a special screening of the film 42. It was a screening for the front office employees that work for the two-time World Series champs, The San Francisco Giants. The screening was in one of the oldest movie theaters in the world (which I learned this afternoon.) The Vogue theater built in 1910. After a couple of bus loads of arrivals and a wonderful introduction and background about the days in which Jackie Robinson was born into major league baseball by the legendary Marty Lurie, 42 began.

Overall, 42 is a good film. I wasn't sure how any filmmaker can  tell the story of Jackie Robinson in 128 minutes but director and screenplay writer Brian Helgeland does. I'm glad he didn't try to tell the complete biography of Mr. Robinson in one film, instead he's concentrated on the how and why Jackie Robinson was picked from the stacks and stacks of  accomplished players that were a part of the Negro league system. It was a pleasant surprise that Brian Helgeland decided to concentrate on the relationships that Robinson had with not only Brooklyn Dodgers owner, Branch Rickey (played by Harrison Ford) and sports writer Wendell Smith but  also with his wife Rachel Robinson. It was refreshing to see a strong romantic relationship portrayed in a sports film. It's not in your face or sappy, but felt real and you get to see that Mrs. Robinson was a huge support for her husband who was facing severe adversity at every turn. 

There was some great acting in the smaller roles throughout the film. Pay attention to John C. McGinley as the Brooklyn Dodgers famed announcer Red Barber. You have to really listen to his commentary during the film and when you do his impersonation and turn of phrase leaves you chuckling.  Seeing Max Gail on the big screen was a complete treat. He's a part of television history and a part of my childhood as a cast member of the Barney Miller show.

42 can also be Hollywood. I could have done without a few of the scenes showing how Robinson stole bases. It was a scene that was a little overdone. I also found it took me a little time to get through Harrison Ford's imitation of Branch Rickey. Once I was able to suspend disbelief and get wrapped up in the story, I bought his impersonation. 

Even if you're not a baseball fan, the history of baseball and how Jackie Robinson quietly fought segregation in the 1940's and broke through racial boundaries should be enough for you to go out and see the film. I hope that 42 breaks the box office this weekend and ends up in the #1 slot. It's a film for everyone and a great piece of cinema for anyone that isn't  familiar with the story of Jackie Robinson. 

*Don't forget to bring the Kleenex*