Invincible

Rating: PG - Contains Low Level Offensive Language.
Duration: 100 mins.
Genre: Drama, Sports.
Actors: Greg Kinnear, Kevin Conway, Mark Wahlberg, Michael Nouri, Michael Rispoli, Elizabeth Banks, Kirk Acevedo.
Director: Ericson Core.
Release Date: Available Now.

Synopsis
Inspiring sports movie starring Mark Wahlberg as a Philadelphia Eagles fan who lost his wife and his teaching job. He decides one day to show up for an open tryout for his favourite NFL team, only to see his wildest dreams come true…

The Reality
The first thing I noticed whilst watching Invincible was the colour. Everything seemed to be infused with the colour yellow. Yellow, normally associated with cowardice, was the flavour of this true story of an underdog who over came everything thrown at him, to live the dream.

But cowardice is not the theme of the movie, nor is it what yellow conjures up in this instance. Yellow is the colour of age, of authenticity. It’s used to make the film feel like you’re watching something from the 70’s. Of course the imagery and sound is crisp and clean, but the colour alone keeps you grounded in the 70’s and gives the story a genuine feel.

Being based on a true story, the feel is an important factor, and this alone turned the movie from a ‘oh well, lets watch this one’ to a ‘hey, this is looking interesting’ kind of movie that took my attention for the entire 100 minute run time.

Sure it’s predictable, and anyone with any knowledge of American Football probably knows the entire story, but it’s a great feel good movie that shows that nothing is impossible, so long as your give it your all, heart, body and soul.

It’s exactly what Mark Wahlberg seems to be doing as well as he creates a convincing figure in the role of Vince Papale, in what could have been just another play by the numbers Disney flick.

An inspirational tale for the whole family.

Food for thought
The only thing Vince’s wife left him was the phone and a note that proclaimed he’d never make anything of himself. It’s this note that Vince holds onto as he tries out, and makes the cut for the Eagles. But as well as spurring him on initially, it plays him like a cancerous disease, eating him alive on the inside. It’s not until he finally lets go of the note, and believes in himself that he is able to shine. Don’t hold on to cutting remarks from people who have no faith in you, instead focus on the one who created you, and believe in yourself.

Special Features (not reviewed)
• Becoming Invincible: The Story of Vince Papale
• Audio Commentaries