Uninspired and Uninspiring

Rating: 4/10 (26 May 2007)

From the time I saw the first preview for "Invincible," I was very excited to see it. I loved "Remember the Titans," and this seemed to be that kind of movie: a sports film with a good cast that alters the mold and tries something new and interesting. Perhaps this is the reason that "Invincible" proved to be such a disappointment for me.
Mark Wahlberg stars in the film as Vince Papale, an underdog who rises from the streets of Philadelphia and becomes an Eagle. His performance is completely flat. Not only does he not try to give his character life, but he is not even likable. Sorry, Mark, but no Oscar nod for this one! As for his football story, it proves to be enormously dull. The sequences follow the usual Disney sports movie mold, never breaking free in a single area. Greg Kinnear, who is typically fantastic, struggles to give Coach Dick Vermielle some actual personality and character. He wants us to sympathize with him, but he comes off as simply pathetic. The lifeless football story never even comes off the ground. The final game scene is anti-climactic, involving Vince making an unimportant play that means nothing.
The romantic aspect of the film is even worse. Elizabeth Banks plays Vince's love interest, who he marries after the end of the film. She tries doing a New York accent for about five minutes, before abruptly switching to her normal voice. Her performance itself is bland and vapid, like the rest of the film.
Still, I understand that some people really like this film. I can honestly say that I didn't. If you're a huge sports fan and care little about bad acting and boring slow-motion shots, you'll probably like it. If you're looking for a good-quality film with an exciting plot, you'll hate it. Period.