Down-on-luck guy makes it to the big time

Rating: 8/10 (15 February 2009)

This movie is inspired by the story of Vince Papale. The basic plot is a bartender who plays street ball answers an open tryout for the Philedelphia Eagles. To everyones surprise, he not only makes it but goes on to play for 3 seasons.
It should be noted that the producers took dramatic license and altered some facts. First of all, Vince had played pro ball before - he played for 2 seasons for the WFL for the Philedelphia Bells prior to trying out for the Eagles. That fact was left out to make it seem even more unlikely that this average Joe can just walk on and make the NFL. Also, he wasn't from South Philly - he was from Prospect Park which is about 30 miles away.
But details aside, it is still a very inspiring story. Philly and a lot of the country was experiencing hard times in the 70's. Much like we are now. And everybody loves an underdog that rises form the ashes and makes good.
They did a good job in creating the characters that surround Vince to keep it interesting. I like the touch of having his wife walk out just prior to his trying out - and writing that nasty note that goes on to inspire him to NEVER GIVE UP.
There is nostalgia galore for those of us who experienced the 70's - from the crazy clothes (men playing football in short-shorts with tube socks), the great soundtrack music, the muscle cars, mutton-chop sideburns, and very BUSY wallpaper. Were the 70's really sepia-toned? (I guess it could've been depending on what you were smoking). They used some type of dark lens or color filter in the filming so as to add to the nostalgic feel.
There were some memorable moments in the film. It was heartbreaking when he comes home to his empty apartment to learn his wife has left and took everything, leaving behind a heartless note to add to his humiliation. You wait in breathless anticipation with Vince as he sits alone in his Training camp dorm room with his playbook in hand - listening to the coach's steps approaching outside his door, letting players go. There is the funny moment when you hear Vince "losing his lunch" in the bathroom before his first game, only to see Coach Vermeil exit the next stall - having just done the same. I think the neighborhood pickup game filmed in the rain was beautifully filmed (especially the slow motion) and communicated how much these guys loved the game. And who can forget the moment in his first home game when Vince finally sees success as he tackles the kickoff returner - and then stops and point ups to his friends who are going crazy in the the stands.
There is a lot to cheer for in this feel-good film. There are themes of friendship, courage, determination and, ultimately, about never giving up. It's also a film you can watch with the whole family, which is rare these days. You will leave this movie smiling and feeling inspired!