"Even If You're Down There For An Hour, You're Down There." --- Tommy (Kirk Acevedo)

Rating: 5/10 (10 March 2007)

"Invincible" (2006)
Directed By: Ericson Core
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Elizabeth Banks, Greg Kinnear, Kevin Conway, & Michael Rispoli
MPAA Rating: "PG" (for sports action and some mild language)
Wait just one minute! Haven't I seen this movie before? Inspirational movie? Check! Based on a particular sport? Check! Based on a true story? Check! Has a happy ending? Check? Predictable? Double-check! Made by Disney? Triple-Check! Okay, okay, I haven't seen this movie beforebut I've seen COUNTLESS movies just like it, three of the most noticeable ones ("Remember the Titans", "Glory Road", and "The Rookie") being made by the very same company as this--yes, Disney. Everything, even the 70's soundtrack, has been used beforeby Disney films no less. You can figure out every minute of this movie, from the hopeful beginning to the happy ending, and everything (and I stress the word "everything") will happen exactly as you believe it will. "Invincible" has no surprises, no originality, and really no point. Sure, the movie works on a very basic level (especially for people who have never seen another movie in their lives), but that can only be expected. After all, it copied at least three movies that worked far better.
Vince Papale (Wahlberg) loves football, but really only has experience playing around with his friends. When the Philadelphia Eagles hold an open try-out, Vince's friends convince him to give it a shot. Of course, Vince does and is whisked off to football camp where he is to train for one of the spots on the team. But, with everyone doubting him and expecting him to be cut at any time, can Vince gain the courage and the determination to keep going? Strangely enough, this movie completely ignores the fact that Vince played football for the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League as a wide receiver until 1975. This is what earned him a meeting with Coach Dick Vermeil (played by Kinnear). The movie desires so desperately to pull off the whole "unknown bartender becomes professional football player" that it completely trivializes Papale's actual life. Why was the fact that Papale has since gone on to help students in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania? "Invincible" makes Papale's story out to be one of luck and being in the right place at the right time, rather than a story of perseverance, determination, and passion. But, this isn't the first time that Disney has completely skewed a true life story so I hardly expected any accuracy on their part.
The performances vary, both as a whole and individually. In other words, some of the actors were good, some were bad, some were good in some parts, and some were bad in some parts. Mark Wahlberg gave a consistent performance, as did Elizabeth Banks. They both did a good job. Wahlberg's engaging made me feel for his characterunfortunately the script gave him no help with that. Greg Kinnear was on and off. Sometimes, he seemed to be on the ball with his performance and I was definitely enjoying watching him work. Other timeswell, it just didn't click. I enjoyed Michael Rispoli's performance, which surprised me because I'm not usually a fan. I guess this shows that you shouldn't judge someone for their work in a movie called "Death to Smoochy". Shame on me! The rest of the performances were passable--not bad, not good, just adequate for the roles. That is all that mattered, I guess.
At a generous 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, I see that most critics did enjoy "Invincible" and this surprises me. I suppose that maybe I am being a little too critical. Sure, "Invincible" followed a strict formula, even with its marketing campaign (the "Inspired by True Events" clearly marked across any and everything associated with the film), but the formula does worksomewhat. Even though I didn't care much for any of the characters by the end (feeling that the script did nothing to actually bring them to life and relied far too much on the actors to do so), I still found myself cheering at the exciting and well-written conclusion. It was a hopeful ending, but not a sappy one and worked well. Did I know that it was coming? Most certainly, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it. On top of that, Mark Wahlberg and Elizabeth Banks gave their bests and did everything they possibly could to save their rather flat characters. I am very conflicted on what score to award "Invincible". I didn't enjoy it, but I am sure that many people will, especially if they skipped "Remember the Titans", "Glory Road", and "The Rookie". Though historically inaccurate (at all), horribly clichéd, and very predictable, there is still a small amount of fun to be hadand I suppose that it is just enough to warrant a watch.
Final Thought: Watching it at least once is not a bad thing, but don't expect anything new and don't think you know the true story.
Overall Rating: 5/10 (B-)