Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Invincible’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

For most of us, there came a point in our youth, where we wanted nothing more than to be a sports superstar. The thought of being able to skate on the ice with professional hockey players, or ball with the best in the best in the biz, or throw the winning pitch or a touchdown in a World Series or a Super Bowl seemed like the greatest dream in the world, and why wouldn’t it? The thought of running out on the field or the ice to the cheers of thousands of adoring fans has its own magical appeal and that is why we took the time to put ourselves in those shoes and dream that incredible dream.
 
But time has a way of tempering those kinds of dreams for so many. For eventually they come to realize that they don’t have the physical tools to become an NFL quarterback, nor does the game appeal to them the same once the day to day details come into play, or a genuine passion is uncovered and that calls to them instead. If anything, the lesson inherent from how this dream fades into oblivion is that one day we simply come to realize that most average Joe’s and Jane’s will never play the game since the folks that take the field are ridiculously gifted athletes. But from time to time everyday folks actually do find their way into the game when their physical skill set is discovered by the pros and thankfully there are films that chronicle such a journey, as was the case in 2006’s Invincible.
 
Now this particular movie is a dramatized re-telling of how an average guy named Vince Papale found his way onto the roster of the Philadelphia Eagles back in 1976, thanks to Head Coach Dick Vermeil’s decision to hold open tryouts in the City of Brotherly Love. And while the journey and the struggle of making an NFL roster is a fascinating one to say the least, what made this film worth my while is the sheer fact that it injects some incredibly human elements into the story that most sports films don’t really bother with. Such as the fact that Vince feels as though he doesn’t belong on the Eagles roster and that he’s a gimmick or a fraud. Which matters, because we really do idolize sports stars and see them in different light and above us and we often forget they are people who have nerves and flaws like the rest of us and the wonder of this film doesn’t end there. 

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​For this movie also takes the time to dive deep into how sports teams more or less bring a sense of hope to their fans and the cities they inhabit, and in that same regard, how Vince lifts up a neighborhood filled with family and friends just by giving this opportunity his all. Because back in ’76 there was economic strife in South Philly and uncertainty when it comes to tomorrow. But the Eagles and Vince provide quite the distraction for folks that are struggling and there is something quite powerful about seeing this neighborhood find something good to celebrate, since one of their own is now playing with their heroes and it’s equally as wonderful to watch Vince’s actions inspire hope in so many.
 
But truly, the centerpiece of this motion picture, is how it sticks to some age-old themes in subtle fashion. Because at its core, Invincible is about following one’s dreams and working hard to maintain them if by chance you’ve latched on, and all of that is accomplished by way of the details when it comes to Vince’s time with the Eagles. For this man goes the extra mile in order to get his shot, taking viscous hits and verbal and mental abuse from others that don’t believe he deserves the chance to play. But he never quits, never relents and pushes himself harder than he ever has in his life to chase that ultimate dream and there’s something quite wonderful about seeing him go the distance and achieve wonders in the process.
 
But, as is often the case with films in this vein, they mean nothing without a quality cast to carry the emotional weight of the story and thankfully we get that here. Because Mark Wahlberg does a wonderful job of expressing Vince’s inner turmoil and desire to become something more in life than a South Philly bartender and his supporting cast anchors him nicely and the joy, they express at seeing him become an Eagle feels genuine in its own right. If anything, this is just a warm and wonderful film that has plenty to offer the audience. Because if you’re a sports fan who wanted to live that impossible dream of joining the ranks of superstars, you’ll find that wonder within the framework of the story. But if you’re just looking for a feel-good film that features a man who will stop at nothing to live a dream, well you’ll find that here too. It’s just a wonderful movie, one that will undoubtedly pick you up if you’re down and that makes it a must see in my book. 

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