It is common knowledge that Jackie Robinson was the first black player in professional baseball. How he got there, though, may be a mystery to most.

“42” is a rousing sports drama, depicting the early baseball years of this Brooklyn Dodgers star, who in a short time would become one of America’s most iconic and courageous public figures.

The film is educational to those who don’t know the history, and it is inspirational in giving its uplifting message. With all that being said, is it a well-made movie? Simply put, no.

Having success in the past with writing and directing “A Knight’s Tale” and “Payback”, Brian Helgeland decided to take on the same tasks again for his first sports project. He aimed high by choosing one of baseball’s most influential players.

Now, credit has to be given for the fact that the movie’s storyline itself is entertaining and interesting, but it is imperative to remember that a good narrative does not make a film special. An inconsistent and uninspired script hinders Helgeland’s work, and combining that with uneven acting makes for a true disaster. But before tackling the negative aspects in “42,”let’s examine a couple of its positive attributes.

Harrison Ford does a great job playing Branch Rickey, the Brooklyn Dodgers general manager. The Hall of Famer broke the color barrier in the MLB by signing Jackie Robinson. Ford provides the single steady noteworthy performance of “42.”

Now Ford was not without some aid. John C. McGinley is great in the small role of the Dodgers’ radio color commentator, and Christopher Meloni resonates well as Leo Durocher, the scandalous manager who was fired just before the Brooklyn season began.

Chadwick Boseman portrays Jackie Robinson, and for the most part he holds his own. There are hiccups throughout, but it’s not by fault of his acting ability. Boseman’s interpretation is often hindered by an over-simplistic and childlike script. The charm and controlled aggression of America’s first black professional ball player is well shown; but certain personal relationships of Robinson’s life depicted throughout the film bring down his silver screen persona.

Nicole Beharie plays Jackie Robinson’s wife, Rachel Robinson. While in real life she may have played a huge role in pushing her husband toward history, in “42” she was nothing more than an annoying waste of space. Her amateurish acting incites face-palm inducing moments throughout the film, and no amount of puppy eyes or sweet talk can make up for it.

Overall, “42”is a kid’s movie disguised by a PG-13 rating. Take out the cursing, and you have an inspirational story much on the same level as “Glory Road.” But to say this movie is among the best sports, let alone baseball, movies is just ludicrous. “42” is by no means a train wreck, but it is a disappointing rendition of a fantastic premise.