Movie Review: Invincible
The Walt Disney Company (Quote: DIS) scores another hit with Invincible. I strongly recommend watching this inspirational movie for anyone and everyone, although I was the only one in the theater under 60 when I saw it yesterday (maybe because it was the noon showing on a weekday). I did not know Vince Papale’s amazing story going into the movie, that and the fact that it was a true story made the unfolding of events exciting and moving.
*See movie summary and reviews here. There are professionals who do such things better than me.
“It’s an unusual, thoughtful bio-drama with a rich subject and some fantastic moments and scenes.”
~Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune
With the recent onslaught of third-rate independent (indie) style films and horror films, its great to see a well-made movie that’s warm hearted with an emotional undertone and drama. While not the most exciting from beginning to end, there wasn’t one moment I was not engaged in the movie, the characters, and their lives- I suppose that was the directors intent with the story set deep on the streets of Philadelphia where there was a great sense of community and brotherhood.
Those who might be turned off from watching a football movie, don’t worry. While there was football scenes, those scenes were surprisingly limited and the focus was instead turned on the hardships of the community and the struggles of the working class men in Philly of the 70’s. If you, like me, want to know of Vince Papale’s amazing “Invincible” story you should check out this movie. It’s slightly different from other of Disney’s inspirational “the whole stadium claps together” story. It’s not the usual “believe in yourself” movie. It’s more about taking chances because there’s nothing else to lose.
Oh, and I think Mark Wahlberg did a wonderful job portraying conflicting emotions of Vince Papale, especially without many lines to do so. Wahlberg’s picked a string of good movies to do lately and has delivered great performances. With all the recent focus on Tom Cruise for his breakup with Paramount Studios, I think Tom Cruise is overrated and Wahlberg underrated. To me, Cruise overacts so you know he’s acting. Too intense, too animated, whatever, too much Cruise. As highlighted in his performance in Invincible, Wahlberg blends into the movie.
“Wahlberg, the former skivvies model with the c’mere/go away pout, has done it. He has been reliably strong for several movies now. While he’s not the only thing right with this better-than-average inspirational sports movie, as Papale he sets a tone of hard-won confidence.”
