Review: Invincible (B)

Invincible (B)
Directed By Ericson Core
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth Banks and Kevin Conway
MPAA: PG
Grade: B

Review by Scott Standish

Invincible reminds me of the classic Disney films before Disney unveiled the Touchstone banner. Movies that were wholesome and uplifting. Films that you could take the entire family to see. Safe, bland movies that were still somehow entertaining. Invincible seems to come from that same mold, but due to fantastic performances from Mark Wahlberg and Greg Kinnear, this one actually overachieves.

Invincible is based on the true story of Vince Papale, a bartender in Philadelphia that showed up for an open call for the Philadelphia Eagles. He walked on, somehow made the team and became a hero to working class fans across the nation. Wahlberg stars as Papale and he (as usual) does a brilliant job. Wahlberg has slowly turned into one of the best actors working today, and it is refreshing to see him getting the recongnition he deserves (Wahlberg was recently nominated for an Academy Award for his work in Martin Scorcese's The Departed).

Equally impressive is Greg Kinnear as the somewhat eccentric Eagles coach Dick Vermeil. Eagles fans can be tough on their team, and especially tough on their coach. Vermeil showed a huge strength of character by sticking with Papale, and Kinner expresses this very well.

Invincible is a somehat formulaic sports movie, but the wonderful performances by the lead actors help carry the film. For sports fans, this one is highly recommended.