Invincible

MPAA Rating: PG

Entertainment: +3

Content: +1/2

Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth Banks. Family sports drama. Written by Brad Gann. Directed by Ericson Core.

From the studio that brought you The Rookie and Remember the Titans comes Invincible, inspired by the true story of Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg), a man with nothing to lose who ignored the staggering odds and made his dream come true. When Dick Vermeil (Greg Kinnear) the new head coach of the Philly Eagles, hosted an unprecedented open tryout, the public consensus was that it was a waste of time no one good enough to play professional football was going to be found this way. Certainly no one like Papale a down-on-his-luck, 30-year-old substitute teacher and part-time bartender who never even played college football. The film has to do with beating the odds and realizing that youll never beat those odds if you dont try.

One problem: Once again, a film aimed at the family implies that the lead sleeps out of wedlock with his lady. I wouldnt want my concern to appear as pious castigation. But in a film otherwise careful to avoid PG-13 content, why would a studio feature fornication. But Phil, its a fact of life. So is abstinence before the wedding night, but that lifestyle is almost never presented in movies. And today it appears to be of little importance even in a Disney family feature.

Fornication aside, Invincible is an enjoyable film experience. The best sports film since The Rookie, the story moves along with energy and passion. The football sequences are involving, as are the lead performances. Its positive themes include caring and sacrificing for others, and following the impossible dream. Its a follow-your-star, sports-underdog movie with one goal to make you feel good. It scores.

Im confused, Phil, are you saying go to it or not? Up to you. Ive given the good and the bad. In reference to the implied fornication, if you should decide to attend with your kids, you might find a suitable time to express why we attempt to follow biblical teachings despite the worlds acceptance of anti-biblical behavior.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Disney

Summary
The following categories contain objective listings of film content which contribute to the subjective numeric Content ratings posted to the left and on the Home page.

Crude Language: None

Obscene Language: I caught only two minor expletives (damn and hell).

Profanity: None

Violence:

Sex: It is implied that the lead couple sleep together after falling in love and before they get married.

Nudity: None

Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: None

Drugs: Several scenes take place in a bar where everybody knows your name. Lots of beer drinking. It shows some men trying to escape problems through the bottle.

Other: One very positive message has to do with seeing through someone elses pain and reaching out to them, putting their needs before your own.

Running Time: 99 minutes
Intended Audience: Teens and Adults

Click HERE for a PRINTER-FRIENDLY version of this review.