Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Invincible


Invincible is the story of Vince Papale, a South Philly native who beat the odds and became a Philadelphia Eagle in 1974 after he attended open tryouts for the team. Philadelphians had fallen out of love with the Eagles when Dick Vermeil signed on as the new coach for the team. To win the hearts of the city and spark interest in the team, Vermeil decided to "open the floodgates" and let anyone who was interested try out for the team. Papale, a part time bartender and substitute teacher, was the sole survivor of the group that responded to Vermeil's plea. He instantly became a hero to the city's blue collar workers and the savior of team that had lost its soul.

Mark Wahlberg stars as Papale, leading a cast of dirty, distraught brothers--lifelong friends from South Philly. Several scenes show Papale in pick-up football games, stealing the thunder and leaving everyone in his dust. His friends all think he is a shoe-in when the open tryouts announcement is made, and he keeps his acceptance to the team a secret until it is broadcast on the evening news while everyone is at the bar.

The football scenes are hard hitting and far from Hollywood fluff. The players are not nice to Papale at Training Camp, and he must earn his spot on the team by proving himself to his peers. Through some amazing plays, he eventually wins the respect of his teammates.

Since I'm a girl, I focused a major part of my attention on Papale's love interest. Janet, a co-worker at Maxie's Bar, is introduced to him at one of the lowest points of his life. Their love story comes at a time when both had given up on it, which makes it all the more special. After losing his substitute teaching job, Papale's wife leaves him. He has no money and must obtain his rent payment from his Union worker father who is about to go on strike. Before Janet arrives at the bar, Max warns everyone that she is a New York Giants fan, causing an upset among the regulars. She ends up being smoking hot, and the Giants "problem" becomes a running joke instead of an issue. The attraction between our protagonist and the newbie is immediate, and their love develops throughout the movie.

This movie is for all ages. Children will aspire, and adults will be inspired. And girls, Mark Wahlberg will make you perspire. DAMN. Go Eagles!

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