42

You should see 42 if you want an inspiring sports drama about Christian faith confronting racism. The film presents Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson as men whose evident faith in God helps them face a huge challenge. It also portrays Jackie and Rachel’s marriage as strong and moral, demeans adultery and extols prayer.

The film does not hide the cruelty Jackie faces. Death threats, harsh words and racial epithets come with the story, along with a fair amount of foul language. Those elements may trouble younger viewers, even though racism is rebuked and the film’s moral direction is clear.

The result is a superb, heartfelt movie with a strong Christian message and enough content for parents to discuss. For older children and adults, 42 is worth the trip.

In 1947, the Brooklyn Dodgers consider signing Jackie Robinson, who could become the first black player in Major League baseball. Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey, an outspoken Christian, believes Jackie may be the right man for the challenge.

Jackie joins the Dodgers’ minor league team, marries his girlfriend Rachel and begins playing in Florida. As his skill helps the team win, he moves closer to the major leagues—and toward the racism and hostility waiting there.

Four stars means 42 is a superb, highly entertaining film. It has heart, faith and laughs, while Chadwick Boseman does a fabulous job capturing Jackie Robinson’s unique traits. Harrison Ford also gives a strong performance as Branch Rickey, portraying him as a morally upright character willing to fight for what is right.

The filmmakers capture the story’s moral and spiritual essence: strong Christian faith can defeat evils such as racism and bigotry. The film is more linear than it needs to be, with no clear climax or ending point, but the overall production remains excellent.

42 presents a very strong Christian and moral worldview. Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson are outspoken about their faith in God, and that faith inspires them to take on the evil of racism. Prayer is extolled, adultery is condemned, and Jackie’s marriage to Rachel is portrayed as strong and moral.

The film also connects Jackie’s perseverance with Christian teaching. Jackie says he finds strength in God and refers to turning the other cheek as Jesus taught. A child prays to God, and a song mentioning Jesus plays at the end. The story treats faith not as decoration but as a source of courage for pursuing the greater good.

The film’s treatment of racism aligns with a biblical conviction that people should not be despised or judged by partiality. It also shows that resisting evil may require endurance, moral courage and sacrifice. Yet the racial epithets and harsh treatment are difficult to hear, especially for children, even though the racism is rebuked.

Scripture calls believers to reject partiality and to love their neighbors: “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well” (James 2:8).

42 is a superb, inspiring drama with heart, laughs and overt Christian faith. Its foul language and racial epithets call for parents’ discernment, especially with younger children. For older children and adults, the answer is clear: WORTH THE TRIP — OLDER CHILDREN AND ADULTS.