Invincible
Screenplay written by: Brad Gann
Actors: Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth Banks, Kevin
Conway
Directed by:
Rated: PG-13 (Sports action and mild language)
Invincible
Screenplay written by: Brad Gann
Actors: Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth Banks, Kevin Conway
Directed by:
Rated: PG-13 (Sports action and mild language)
In 1976, in a city devastated by closing manufacturing plants with a losing NFL football team, the weekly neighborhood football game played on a muddy Philadelphia lot is about more than just bragging rights. For Vince Papale, a down-on-his-luck substitute teacher and his life-long friends, the give-it-all-you’ve-got game and the camaraderie of Frank’s Bar is a way to let off steam from the depressing realization that years of hard work and loyalty does not seem to matter. With so many factors out of their control, Vince’s friends dare to hope for something good to happen when they urge their gridiron “ringer” to take on the challenge of the new Philadelphia Eagle’s coach’s open try-outs. However, with Vince’s failed marriage and his failed part-time job still being open wounds, he fears that trying and failing his friends and himself might be worse than not trying at all. Concerned that he may not have enough athletic ability to make the cut, he musters the fortitude to show up anyway to compete against overzealous amateurs and seasoned veteran athletes on the hallowed ground of the Eagle’s field. Turning in impressive times in the 100-yard dash earns him Coach Vermeil’s notice before the coach finds out that Vince Papale has also got heart enough to play on his N.F.L. team.
He Said:
“Dreams are not lived on the sidelines.” It’s a perfect tagline for “Invincible” and if you didn’t realize that powering through and raising above self-doubt to try anyway is so affirming, watching this inspiring tale of the Philadelphia Eagles’ own Vince Papale will bring the message home. My hat’s off to the director for making this sports-drama more about the humanity in the game than winning the game itself. From a direction and cinematography point-of-view, the director literally put me on the field to feel the experience. It also made the game more about what it is really like to physically endure and overcome mental blocks for the common goal rather than making the game about just winning points.
On the R&R Scale (1-10):
7 for script: Subtly developed main characters well.
7 for direction: Some unique camera shot perspectives.
7 for acting: All good; Kinnear especially convincing as Vermeil.
7 for plot: Not just about winning at all costs.
7 for entertainment Value: A feel-good movie.
7.0 Overall
She Said:
A good sports drama is often a heart-wrenching reminder that when the human spirit goes all-out for what it wants, it can overcome major obstacles. True to form, “Invincible” was not about systematically garnering the highest score and winning the game, but more about the kind of special character and perseverance it takes to go for it and make a difference to achieve personal and team goals. Clearly, Vince Papale was just such a special man, put on special teams by a special coach – on a special football team in 1976. What I liked about this film was the way writer Brad Gann and director Eric Core brought out universal human vulnerabilities and tests of character that can get in the way of winning in the game of life. You will, too.
On the R&R Scale (1-10)
6 for script: Could have been average but added authentic heart.
7 for direction: Camerawork good, off and on the gridiron.
7 for acting: Wahlberg and Banks clicked well.
7 for plot: Predictable and enjoyable.
6 for entertainment value: Good human-spirit affirming film.
6.6 overall
