Jackie Robinson Film “42” Will Open April 12th

As the Golden Globe Awards are being handed out tonight, I am anxiously awaiting the opening of 42 The True Story of An American Legend. The film is centered around the story of Jackie Robinson (played by Chadwick Boseman) and Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford).

The film which will be distributed by Warner Bros., is directed and written by Brian Helgeland who also wrote the Academy Award winning screenplay of one of my all-time favorites: L.A. Confidential. The biographical movie will also star Christopher Meloni as Leo Durocher, John C. McGinley as Red Barber, T.R. Knight as Harold Parrott, Lucas Black as Pee Wee Reese, and Nicole Beharie as Rachel Isum.

The movie’s theatrical release is planned to coincide with the 66th anniversary of Jackie Robinson Day (April 15th).

I’m almost giddy about this movie because as you know I went to film school, and not only does 42 blend two of my loves, cinema and baseball, but it’s also depicting one of my favorite sports stories. Jackie Robinson not only is an integral part of the history of the Dodgers, but his courage influenced and impacted the entire world of professional sports as well as civil rights in America. This film was an important project to make as it is not only entertainment but it also documents history.

Moneyball and Trouble With the Curve are two recent baseball films which have hopefully rekindled the genre a bit. 42 looks to be extra special since it is depicting a part of Brooklyn Dodger history. Baseball is a sport which lends itself very well to the medium of film, and I hope 42 can celebrate and commemorate Jackie Robinson’s legacy well.

Check out the new trailer of 42:

You can also read my list of Top 10 Baseball Films. Will 42 break into my top 10? Stay tuned for a critique of the film in April after its release.

What’s your favorite baseball film? Are you planning to see 42? Tell us in the comments.