Starring Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth Banks, Kevin Conway, Michael Rispoli, Kirk Acevedo
Written By: Brad Gann
Directed By: Ericson Core
Studio: Disney/Buena Vista
Buy on Amazon.com link

Inspired by a true story, Invincible stars Mark Wahlberg as Vince Papale, a 30 year old bartender/substitute teacher from Philadelphia who gets the chance of a lifetime. When tryouts are called by his hometown heroes, the Philadelphia Eagles, he decides to give it a shot. Considering the high risk of playing Professional Football and the embarrassment he might get from perhaps getting cut from the team, Papale becomes a local hero for his hard work and dedication. A fun, inspiring film that sports fans will love.

It’s 1976 and the city of Philadelphia is having a tough time all around. The jobs are few and far between, and their sports teams aren’t doing so hot either. When new coach, Dick Vermeil (Kinnear) comes into town, he calls for an open tryout for anyone willing and able to come out and practice. Enter Vince Papale, who always seemed to enjoy football and really was good at touch football in the courtyards with the guys, decides to give it a go. With his wife walking out on him, and having a trouble getting a permanent job, Vince thought “Why not?” everything else wasn’t going for him. As it turns out, Papale ends up impressing all the coaches and eventually makes the squad. At the same time, he makes the rest of the players upset because he is “Mister Do-Gooder” and is out to work hard, and bust his butt to do what he can to make the team.

The movie does a good job featuring the 70s as they were remembered back then. Digital recreation of the old demolished Veterans Stadium is featured nicely as well as the looks, clothes, cars, and well most of the buildings still look the same there though. Wahlberg does a good job portraying Vince Papale as he was a big help in creating the film. It’s got to be pretty humbling to have a film about his life story. The only extra on the DVD was “Becoming Invincible” which featured Vince Papale, and Dick Vermeil and the cast and crew on the film about re-creating Vince’s story. Too bad there weren’t more extras.

The film was a nice surprise and did well at the box office as well. It has similarities with other sports films like Rudy and of course Rocky, but I feel those films were better and had more dramatic endings. Invincible was a strong film and sports fans will enjoy this one, that’s for sure.

Features:
-Becoming Invincible: The Vince Papale Story
-Two Audio Commentaries:
Vince Papale, Producer Mark Ciardi, Writer Brad Gann
Director Ericson Core, Editor Jerry Greenberg

Audio:
ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1 CC
FRENCH: Dolby Digital Stereo

Video:
Widescreen 2.35:1 Color (Anamorphic)

Subtitles:
-Spanish, French

Favorite Scenes: Tryouts
Rating: PG
Running Time: 104 minutes
Extras Rating:
Overall Rating: