Papale character not likable enough

Rating: 5/10 (28 August 2006)

Imagine for a moment, not only meeting the players on your favorite pro-sports team, but playing on the same team - as a walk on from an open tryout !!! This is the backdrop of 'Invincible'. Mark Wahlberg plays Vince Papale - who is everyones favorite South Philly bartender/sandlot football player.
My major disappointment with the story is that the Papale character is played as quiet, almost shy - and to me, not very likable. I've seen recent interviews with the real Vince Papale - who seems affable and outgoing - so perhaps I was influenced by that.
Papale's wife leaves him after he comes home from a game of tackle and she challenges him to find a job instead of getting bruised about the face playing football in an empty lot (seemed reasonable to me). I understand Papale is down on his luck and out of work but even when things started to break his way, he is sullen and apologetic to anyone who will listen. C'mon Papale, you've been the Toast of the Town for 2 months and even though you have zero personality, the gorgeous blonde is after you - smile a little ...
The football action looks real and the soundtrack really helps sets the 70's mood. The scene of Papale making the team felt good but if I liked him more - the payoff would have been stronger.
Overall - an average film. Wait until the DVD or On Demand is available is my advice.