That Philly Feel

Yes! The NFL is officially finally back in business...After a long off season... The Gridiron Gladiators will take the field for the first Sunday of the season. What better time then, to finally post my review of Invincible.

Despite my proximity to the city of Philadelphia, my regular readers already know, I'm not a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles...Much to the dismay of my family...That said, I was still looking forward to seeing the film.

Invincible follows a typical, "inspirational sports movie" formula: down and out athlete(s) fight back incredible obstacles to be a winner on and off the field. What makes it work though are fine performances and solid direction.

In 1975--the Eagles were the laughing stock of the league...During the off season team owner, Leonard Tose (Michael Nouri) hires college football coach Dick Vermeil (Greg Kinnear) to take over. Almost immediately Vermeil announces open tryouts--an unheard of move--for the public at large. Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg)--a 30 year-old, working class substitute teacher and part-time bartender decides to take his buddies advice and go for it. Knowing in his heart, he hasn't got a chance, he manages to make quite an impression. Ultimately making the roster and living every fan's fantasy--as a professional football player.

I am just old enough to remember this period in Eagles history. The filmmakers, led by Ericson Core, (in his directorial debut) succeed in transporting viewers back to the mid-70's. It has that feel in both the way it was shot (by Cole as well) and in the script by Brad Gann. The film wisely devotes many scenes to Vermeil's plight as a new coach, while not taking anything from the Papale story--never an easy feat.

Wahlberg gives off a good solid performance as Papale--proving once again that the artist formally known as Marky Mark--can act. Elizabeth Banks as Janet lights up the screen and boasts good chemistry with Wahlberg. Kinnear as Vermeil does good thing as well...

The film is very good at giving football fans an inside look at what training camp must be like but surprisingly spends little time on the field itself--I wish there were more if that stuff. I also wish that there were a few more scenes of Papale's interactions with players like Bill Bergey.

My late mother loved watching the Eagles play...and I could not help but think of her as I sat in the theater watching Invincible. Despite a formulaic constraint, the film rates an 8 (out of 10)...

Later this afternoon, it's my team the Chicago Bears VS. the Green Bay Packers. in one of the sport's oldest rivalries.....Go Bears!!