Vince Papale played for the Philadelphia Eagles for only three seasons, yet somehow Disney’s “Invincible” manages to exceed the grasp of his short career, becoming a testament to triumph and family. For a film about a struggling bartender in a working-class neighborhood of Philadelphia becoming a pro star, the film is less about football and more about people, which is by no means a criticism. Starring Mark Whalberg, Greg Kinnear, and Elizabeth Banks, what “Invincible” does well, it does really well. And what it does poorly is ultimately forgivable.
The opening of the film is fantastic and sober, showing not the inside of Philadelphia’s Veteran’s Stadium, but mill-town life’s dark side with long hours and plant closings that put many blue-collar folk out of work. It’s now 1975 and times are not much better; union strikes threaten to un-employ already desperate men, yet somehow the Philadelphia Eagles tie these men together. Their losing streak firmly established, it’s clear to see that the team becomes an anthem for these men, a reason to get together at the local bar and watch the games, and, somehow, a reason to carry on. “You know how I used to tell you about Van Buren scoring that touchdown back in ’48?” Papale’s retired father (Kevin Conway) says. “That touchdown got me through 30 years at that factory….through your mother being sick.”
This is where “Invincible” shines. The film instills the hope and heart its characters have for the sport of football, makes even non-fans understand it, and gives them a reason for rooting for an almost-thankless team.
Invincible” follows Papale in a very “Rocky”-esque fashion, from an open tryout that Eagles new coach Dick Vermeil (Greg Kinnear) to anyone who wants to try for the team, to training camps, family tension, and a long shot at making the team. Vince Papale is here played by Whalberg in a very unassuming fashion, and he presents an easy everyman to root for. Dealing with friends and family who are rooting for them, as well as an entire city raising him to the hero they sorely need, Vince is a character who never had much to hope for but finds himself doing so nonetheless.
Other characters bring heart to the film, making it an easily watchable enterprise. As Dick Vermeil, Kinnear, who has played in such feel good films as “As Good as it Gets” and “Flash of Genius” turns in a performance here that is almost immediately likeable. Going against the popular vote and a legion of Eagles’ fans holding signs such as ‘Vermeil: Win or Go Home,’ he puts himself on the line to give Papale a chance. “He has heart,” he utters in defense of suggestions that hiring Papale for a first time coach is just too dangerous. Vermeil’s wife, who has close to no screen presence, also manages to buffer the film when it matters.
Other players such as Vince’s friend (Michael Kelly) and neighborhood buddies bring the film full circle, where Papale’s pending stardom threatens to leave long-time friends behind. Only in a film like this could a no-pads game of tackle football in the pouring rain become just as touching, if not more, than Vince’s debut for the Philadelphia Eagles. Papale’s relationship with his friends, and what his chance at making the team. Amidst this, a burgeoning relationship with new-to-town Janet (the beautiful Elizabeth Banks), works to bring past relationship demons of both parties to light. Banks is charming and extremely likable; even if her addition is predictable from the start.
– by Mark Ziobro
