Growing up in the suburbs of Phila in the 70s/80s was a tough time for me.  Almost everyone I knew was a Philadelphia Eagles fan.  I, on the other hand, was an Oakland Raiders fan.  So, when in 1981, the Raiders beat the Eagles in SuperBowl XV, I was a happy boy, but pretty much celebrated alone.  I always cheer for the Eagles unless they’re playing the Raiders – so I guess you can say that I’m and Eagles fan too. 

Being the blue collar city that Phila is, the people know what they want, expect to get it when they want it, and ***, cry and complain when they don’t.  Like any blue collar town, the people work hard – and play just as hard.  That brings me to the Eagles fans.  They’re some of the toughest in sports.  Damn, they threw snowballs at Santa Clause!  However, they’re a passionate bunch and know the game. 

With that comes the movie Invincible.  This movie, like others made by Disney is the feel good movie of the year.  The movie is based on the true story of a Vince Papale, a local bartender (played by Mark Wahlberg) who is down on his luck.  As he loses his job and his wife, it appears that things can’t get much worse.  In true Disney fashion, they do get better - and much better.

After a terrible season, The Eagles, bring in new coach named *** Vermeil (played by Greg Kinnear).  Coach Vermeil holds open try-outs to shake things up a bit.  In doing so, Vince Papale tries out and makes the team – living most guy’s dreams, playing for their beloved football team.  Vince shows the drive and determination that is only shown from a player one step away from watching the game in the 600–700 section.   

The movie takes quite a few parallels to the other Disney feel good sports movies – they show a down trodden guy down on his luck.  With hard work, drive and determination comes out on top. 

I give it 3.5 stars out of 4.