42

Few sports-related stories cry out to be told repeatedly like the story of Jackie Robinson, the baseball player who broke down the sport’s race barrier. While it’s a bit old-fashioned, 42 is an above-average film that acknowledges the struggle of Robinson’s historic acts. The film works in large part to newcomer Chadwick Bozeman, who manages to play Robinson with enough fire to squelch questions about why anyone would deal with the atrocities Robinson faced from disapproving audiences. Also making the film work: Harrison Ford, nearly unrecognizable behind the bushy eyebrows as Dodgers GM Branch Rickey, as well as a solid supporting cast.

Trance

Director Danny Boyle is one of the sharpest directors working today, and his latest film, Trance, doesn’t disappoint on that front. Unfortunately, the psychological thriller’s story is thin; while the story is told in (mostly) linear fashion, the reliability of what’s presented on-screen is always questionable. Still, Boyle’s direction makes the tale a trippy watch. Stars James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson and Vincent Cassel turn in their typical level of well-served performances.