Fun, inspiring film

Rating: 8/10 (5 September 2006)

Altho this film was a little too "disney" for me at times, i thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to friends and family. I was in need of a "feel good" movie, and this hit the spot just right! :o) I had no previous knowledge of Vince Papale, and know little to nothing about the NFL or football as a rule, but i thought the direction of the film and the acting were both fun & easy, and made you care about these characters--right down to the sullen and bitter friend constantly across the bar.
Having lived in Wisconsin for several years, the bar scenes, the fans, and the the local pub patrons reminded me a lot of the urban, blue-collar types i sat next to on many-a-night at our Wisconsin taverns. It was interesting to watch, and took me back. I enjoyed that aspect of it.
I also enjoyed Mark Wahlberg's portrayal of Vince, altho i haven't a bloody clue as to whether it was an accurate portrayal or not. From my seat, tho--Mark was endearing and tormented, and it came across--even with little dialogue from him. I felt his struggle, and totally bought how desperately he worried over letting his friends and father down. But more than that--i totally bought how terrified he was that one of his fellow bar patrons (the bitter fellow constantly across the bar) was right: that despite any current luck--in the end--he would always be just like the rest of them--a big fat 0. Nothing.
The desperate times (the layoffs and strikes) added to the heavy feeling in the air, and the depiction of the 70's was true to form --imo. All said: I liked it very much, and without hesitation would recommend it to anybody who needs a good boost from a film. In my opinion--an under-dog making good in movies is always a wonderful thing to experience!