This film image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson in a scene from “42.”Jackie Robinson was the ideal class act to break the barrier and become the first black player in Major League Baseball.
Writer/director Brian Helgeland’s Robinson biopic “42” is a class act itself, though not always an engaging act. It’s such a familiar story that any faithful film biography almost inevitably will turn out predictable, even a bit routine.
With an earnest performance by Chadwick Boseman as Robinson and an enjoyably self-effacing turn by Harrison Ford as Brooklyn Dodgers boss Branch Rickey, “42” hits every button you expect very ably. It riles with its re-creations of the heartless, ignorant racism to which Robinson was subjected. It uplifts with its depictions of Robinson’s restraint and fortitude. It inspires with its glimpses of support and compassion from teammates and fans.
Yet like a sleepy, low-scoring ballgame, “42” is not the jolt of energy and entertainment we wish it could be.
Unlike No. 42 Robinson’s daring on the base paths, “42” plays out safely and methodically, centering on the two most critical years in his rise to the majors and letting that time unfold with slow, sturdy momentum.