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’42’: No foul ball for audiences

“42” is a beautiful and heartbreaking look at a baseball icon’s journey to shatter racial stereotypes and forever change baseball.
“42” tells the story of Jackie Robinson, the first African American baseball player to play in Major League Baseball. General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) breaks the MLB color line by signing Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) to the team in 1946, when prejudice was a prominent issue.
Signing Robinson stirs up controversy and trouble for Robinson and Rickey, which forces both to turn the other cheek and exercise an honorable amount of restraint.
From a historical perspective, “42” has a vast majority of even the tiniest details down pat. The clothing, cars and overall story prove to be historically accurate. The film works to portray Robinson’s impact on MLB history in an equally accurate and appropriate light.
“42” gives a look into the prejudices and injustices that were prevalent during that time. Boseman and Ford portray their characters almost flawlessly. Boseman not only looks the part but acts the part of Robinson.
Boseman looks arguably as close to Robinson as possible, and Ford’s abrasive-but-soft representation of Rickey holds true to Rickey’s reputation. Supporting characters offer a solid background, with Lucas Black, Christopher Meloni and Hamish Linklater playing supporting roles.
“42” is both an inspiring tale of working to overcome injustices and a heartbreaking story of the evils of the world.  The film proves to be filled with many moments of triumph that often outweigh the heavyhearted scenes.
“42” puts a much deserved spotlight on Robinson and all those involved in supporting him and their work in breaking the infamous MLB color barrier in a heroic look at history.
“42” is rated PG-13 for thematic elements including language.