Disney scored with The Rookie, its dish on a 40-year-old pitcher getting his first big-league go, so why not the unlikely football career of a 30-year-old bartender from Philadelphia? Back in 1976, new Eagles coach Dick Vermeil (Greg Kinnear, an odd but effective choice) held open tryouts as a publicity stunt to spark interest in his woeful team. Long-time fan Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg, who’s fine but could have shown more vim), recently dumped by his wife, is the lone shake-out, and he gets invited to training camp. None of the pros wants him there, but in the working-class city struggling with the aftermath of Vietnam and economic uncertainty, Vince’s longshot becomes the city’s dream. The feel-good formula gets a shot of grit from director Ericson Core, who captures the agony of training camp and the details of the period. There are no surprises, but like its hero, Invincible has more to offer than first impressions would suggest.
On the Web
Invincible's official Web site:http://www.invinciblemovie.com/
