Invincible

Posted by Tara Settembre (tara@filmschoolrejects.com) on August 29, 2006

Release Date: August 25, 2006

From the producers of The Rookie, comes another inspiring sports movie starring Mark Wahlberg as a Philadelphia Eagles fan, Vince Papale, who just lost his wife and his teaching job and undergoes a big career change. When his favorite team holds an open tryout to help rejuvenate talent and fans, Vince decides due to the encouragement from his friends to tryout for his favorite NFL team to find out that he makes the cut and is invited to training camp.

Based on a true story, the film is set in the late 1970s, which the film does a good job of recreating with classic music, cars and vintage clothing. In many ways it reminded me of the other Disney film Miracle, which also turns a true sports story into a legend with similar action suspense and nostalgia for the game. It’s also very Rudy, so what’s not to like really?

I’m not a huge Whalberg fan but he managed to not annoy me in this flick and actually surprised me with his thoughtful performance. Greg Kinnear plays the new Eagles coach, Dick Vermeil, from California determined to shake things up in the organization and to lead a winning team. He’s also a fan of Papale’s determination, heart and love of the game. Actress Elizabeth Banks from The Baxter and Wet Hot American Summer stars as a New York Giants fan and co-bartender at Papale’s Phily hangout, who eventually becomes his love interest adding a romance sub-plot to the film. Her character was very charming and I enjoyed her performance. I especially was fond of the side characters, which consisted of mainly Papale’s hard working factory friends looking to Papale for a miracle.

The football scenes were up close, providing viewers with an on the field account of the different plays and action. The people in the theater I was at, seemed to forget they weren’t watching a real football game because they were clapping and grimacing during the game footage. During the triumph scene I even caught myself putting my hands together along with everyone else.

There was one street game of football that took place amongst his buddies which caused some eye rolling from me. I appreciated the sentiment but it was a bit much and could have been cut by at least three minutes, it just became too commercial Hallmark moment for me. With the obvious melodrama part addressed, I have nothing bad to say about Invincible since its enjoyable and supposed to be very over the top in its inspirational feel.

Final Grade: B

The Upside: A feel good inspirational film for sports fans and underdog rooters.

The Downside: Overly sentimental and glorifying.

On the Side: The film captured audiences by making $17.0 million in its opening weekend and went to #1.

Technorati Tags: Football, NFL, Vince Papale, Philadelphia Eagles, Sports, Underdog

Read more articles by Tara Settembre