Cloud Atlas and 42 movie review

It has been requested that I do a review on Cloud Atlas and since 42 seems to tie into one of the themes Cloud Atlas has, I figured I would do a collective review of the two together. If you know me personally, I had a facebook status that said Cloud Atlas is one of those stories I wish I read before I saw the movie. Here's why:

Despite the fact people keep disagreeing with me about Cloud Atlas saying it was horribly confusing, boring and dragging, I felt that it was neither of the above. I think the key to watching this movie is trying not to focus on who was who in each era, because there is no point, I don't think the theme is about reincarnation. My interpretation of the movie is that every main character in each era is on the journey to be emancipated from his/her so-called "destiny" whether it is slavery, homosexual discrimination, corruption, elderly confinement, classism or cannibalism. This motif creates a distinct theme which sets everything into perspective as well as a coherent story that is far from convoluted.The stories are intricately webbed together not only in the way the are related but how it was presented to us visually on the screen and audially through the narration, which created a seamless and impeccable flow. Another important theme is the act of bravery and kindness which I shamefully admit has become more rare in our generation. Credits to the author of the book. But back to the movie, I can absolutely see why it took four years to make this movie. The planning done on each scene change would have been already taken a bulk of time, let alone the makeup, acting and animations. In conclusion, this is a profound piece of work that deserves to seen by generations to come, that is in fact part of the movies message right? How generations impact each other through acts of bravery and kindness! And this movie production with no doubt evinces both qualities! Kudos!

Which brings me to 42! 42 is all about bravery and kindness as well. Its chronicles the story of the first African American professional baseball player Jackie Robinson. Again this is a story about a courageous and robust young man embarked on the journey to emancipate his so-called destiny of racial segregation which in turn changed the lives of generations to come. Although differing from Cloud Atlas it was no star packed ensemble, with Harrison Ford as the only noted cast, but 42 was not a long movie as well. (Not as long as Cloud Atlas which was 3 hours long, but longer than your average comedies and was about 2 hours long) Despite that fact, it did occur to me to be long at all and I never had to check my watch or even yawn during the movie. And even though it was a biopic, the brief but intriguing depiction of Jackie and Rachel Robinson was the perfect icing on the cake. All in all it was a movie totally worth watching. I believe I have said this before, and please don't get me wrong, I love Disney movies to the max, but growing up kids also need to watch movies like 42, genuine heroes they can look up to and be inspired by. That my friend, is exceptional parenting.