In short, the rise of the four-quadrant mega-budget boy-centric fantasy picture coincided with the general demise of the female-driven genre film.

FORBES: Female-Driven Blockbusters And The Legacy Of 'Twilight,' 'Bridesmaids'

Warts and all, this is the kind of film that major studios used to release on a regular basis before the rise of the four-quadrant tent-pole.

FORBES: Review: 'Pain And Gain' Is Michael Bay's Next Shot At Respectability

Still, 42 is a strong example of the moderately-budgeted studio programmer that used to be par for the course before the era of the four-quadrant global blockbuster.

FORBES: Review: '42' Rounds The Bases With Dignity And Style