By Juliana Stumpp

A&E Editor

April 15, 1947 is a momentous date for two reasons; first it was Jackie Robinson’s first game as a first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers and second it changed the face of baseball forever because he broke the color barrier for the sport.

Robinson made such an impact to the sport that his number 42 is the only retired jersey to date in baseball.

Every year, there is bound to be an inspirational sports movie that usually comes off as cheesy and tired. The same themes take place and the predictability factor is high.

In the biographical film about the legendary sport hero, “42” presents all of the listed elements but the biggest difference is that it is based on a true story. The film tells the story of Robinson from Branch Rickey’s (Dodger’s manager at the time) search to find an African American baseball player to enter the league through Robinson’s trials and tribulations.

Newcomer Chadwick Boseman stars as Robinson with Harrison Ford as Rickey beside him. Being introduced to the film industry is difficult especially when you are playing the role of an American icon and lets not even mention the athletic stamina he would need to incorporate. With all that considered, Boseman stole the scene (and bases) with the emotion he brought to his character.

Ford’s performance as Rickey was well thought of but often came off as trying to hard with his low raspy voice and physical attributes. However, he did convince the audience of being the money hungry manager and was given smart and witty one-liners.

The film not only revolved around Robinson’s career but society’s interpretation of change and segregation which was mostly negative with a few standout characters accepting what was happening and defending Robinson. Certain scenes and lines even made the whole theater clap at specific characters integrity.

Coming from a baseball family, I couldn’t wait to see the movie even more so because my grandpa attended Robinson’s first game. “42” was more then I expected from a sports movie because its more then just that, it’s a cultural film that reflects on how hard times were for different minorities during that era.

Baseball fan or not, “42” is sure to win over your heart and teaches important lesson about respect for one another.