Cat Says:
I have to start this off by saying that I'm a baseball fan. Ok, so that's putting it lightly. The Yankees won the Series the year I was born and I've been hooked ever since. I have very fond memories of sitting on the sofa with my Dad and watching many a baseball game, coming to love the Cubs as well as the Giants along the way. He was a Dodgers fan...I loved him anyway. I was a Yankess fan...he loved me anyway. Our 12 year old plays ball as well. My Dad would be proud of how good he is and how we still love the game.
The love of the game. That is what this movie is about. How one man, Branch Rickey, played here by Harrison Ford in a stunning performance, saw in injustice in the game he loved so much and needed to make it right. How he picked one player, Jackie Robinson, played here to perfection by Chadwick Boseman, to make the stand...for the love of the game.
The story is told with respect, with reverence and with a certain brashness from time to time that will make you wince. The "N" word is not glossed over here. The abusive treatment is barely touched upon but they tried to get it across that he did, indeed, suffer this abuse each and every game...and persevered. The story also made sure to make it clear that those who chose on the side of discrimination and hate found themselves out of the game. This was an important lesson to my 12 year old Little League playing son. You see, my son is half black. If not for people like Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson my own son wouldn't have the same Big League dreams that millions of other American boys have today. So, yes, we teared up more than once. We beamed with pride more than once and yes, we did wince more than once.
The story follows Rickey's decision to bring up a black baseball player and make a stand to the final game before heading to the Series. All of this is history. You can read all about it. There are no big surprises, not sudden twists in the story. You know the legend that is #42. The only number ever to be retired in baseball. Today is Jackie Robinson Day. The only day where players all across the leagues wear the #42. So that the love of the game is the only important thing. Not the color of the player's skin.
Due to the subject matter and the slow way the story is told this movie is for 9 and up. It does feel a bit slow at times but the acting is amazing. The story is worthy. It's a 9.5 out of 10 for me and my family. We will own this one the day it comes out on Blu-Ray...and yes, we'll be buying the edition with all of the extras included. See this one on the big screen. Then watch it again when you bring it home. Yes, it's that good.
Barbara Says:
The movie `42' was a really good watch for my friend Jackie and myself. The theater was full and people were clapping at parts and hissing at others. It was a commentary on how far we have come as a people. I am not a fan of any sports and most definitely not baseball. But I so enjoyed this movie of not just one mans rise over the stupidity of people but those who helped him do it.
Harrison Ford for one was very good. In fact,the acting in this by everyone was top-notch. At one point you see a young boy watching how these people are yelling names (one of which is his father) and so he starts to yell the same. But it was clear he was not sure of this course.
This film was mainly about the rise of Jackie as a baseball great but it gives us at the end some of what happened to the other main characters too. Some got their just rewards. Putting labels on people because of their color, religion, where they live, money they have is just plain stupid and shows an extreme lack of feeling for humanity. This story gives me hope for our future though. If only because it shows us that people can become better human beings and look upon their fellow travelers through this world with clearer eyes and a warmer heart. Make time to go see this film as it is well worth your effort. It is a piece of history that should never be allowed to be forgotten. Out of 10....a 10.
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