Synopsis:

In the summer of 1976, 30-year old Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg) is having a tough run of luck. He's been working as a supply teacher for two days a week but has just found out that his job has been eliminated because of budget cuts. His wife gives up on him saying he'll never amount to anything and asks for a divorce. He works as a bartender and plays football with his friends. When the the new coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, Dick Vermeil (Greg Kinnear), announces that he will hold open tryouts for the team, Vince reluctantly decides to give a try. In an almost unheard of feat, he manages to make the team and enjoyed a three year career as a professional football player. Based on a true story.

The Freak's Rating: B- : Cheese is in every sports movie.  There is usually a father-son moment, a friend-to-friend moment, a mother-daughter moment, etc...  Dialogue is horribly written and audience eyes are rolled in disbelief.  It is when you finally accept the nature of the beast that you can appreciate the beast for what he is.

Invincible is incredibly cheesy.  It is based on one of the most unbelievable acts in NFL coaching history, an open practice for anyone who wanted to join the team.  How often as a youngster (mostly to the guys here) did you do the countdown at the buzzer?  In your mind, how many times did you hit the shot to win the game?  My toddler nephews already do it!  I used to do it all the time.  Now imagine, during one of your sessions of "catching the winning touchdown pass" for the Chicago Bears, that you heard the team would let you try out.  This is exactly what happened to every Philadelphia Eagle fan in 1976, the summer I was born.

Oozing with cheddar, Wahlberg delivers candy coated lines as Vince.  The script is ridiculously simplistic, the acting subpar, haircuts overdone, sets stereotypical, etc... It has all the makings of a piece of garbage, but for me it worked.  The fun I had during this is a throwback to 80s Disney movies.  Pathetic as it might be, I was ready to cheer at parts.  Invincible is a family film, with all the pros and cons that come with being one, but it is also a good time any aged fan can enjoy.

Jen's Rating: B- : This movie was pretty good.  The fact that it's based on a true story makes a big difference!  It's sappy at times but it is Disney afterall.  I didn't leave saying "wow that was great" but it was a good clean movie and would be great for a family.  Especially a family that loves football.

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