By: debbie lynn elias
Vince Papale. A name and a man instantly recognizable to any Philadelphia Eagles fan, has his inspirational story brought to the big screen by the folks at Disney with INVINCIBLE. And invincible is the word for Papale. Invited to open try-outs in 1976 by Eagles Coach Dick Vermeil, then 30-year old Papale overcame numerous personal obstacles (as well as his age and lack of any formal athletic or football training) in his quest to follow his heart’s desire. Making the cut, Papale played for the Eagles from 1976 to 1978 and holds the title as the oldest rookie non-kicker to play in the NFL. (Papale was a wide receiver.) Now age 58, he has since become a motivational speaker, is an account executive for Sallie Mae in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and in 2001, overcame colorectal cancer. Vince Papale is the stuff that dreams are made of – and the perfect subject for a Disney sports biopic.
1976 Philadelphia had a depressed economy thanks to the country’s recession. Many were out of work. Many that were employed had the fear that labor strikes would end their livelihoods. Some of us were just graduating high school and trying to figure out where the future would take us. But no matter what, Philadelphia had its beloved sports teams and win, lose or draw, none was more beloved than the Eagles. Whether rich or poor, Black, White or Puerto Rican, sports was a driving force and common ground for all to share and share alike. Young boys were in muddy neighborhood lots and in backyards practicing and pretending to be the next Roman Gabriel or Tom Dempsey. And for 30-year old Vince Papale, those dreams never ended.
Substitute teacher and part-time bartender Papale always seemed to be down on his luck, but was never a quitter, never a downer. Failed relationships, failed jobs. Nothing discouraged him, but it did make him wonder about his future. Fueled by his weekend and nighttime football games with his buddies, Papale’s drive and enthusiasm is boundless. And although lacking any formal training beyond high school, Papale’s talent is undeniable. No matter what group of guys or where they played, whoever had Papale on their team always won. And of course on Sundays, there was always their beloved Eagles.
Open try-outs are being held for the ‘76 team. Spurred on by his buds, but thinking it all to be a joke, and already playing as a wide receiver on the former minor league football team, the Philadelphia Bells, Papale gets word from GM Jim Murray of private open try-outs by Coach Vermeil. Papale dares to try out. As Vermeil watches one flabby beer gut after another trot through the 40 yard dash, things look pretty dismal for a team roster – that is until he sees Papale. Fast and fleet footed, Vermeil sees what’s he’s looking for. As try-outs end, Papale walks to his car only to find himself followed by Vermeil – You made the cut, but to make the team, you’ll have to beat out the pros in training camp. With a kiss-off letter from his wife (who divorced him) in hand stating that he’s a nobody and will always be a nobody, Papale heads to training camp with a determination and that “eye of the tiger.” And the rest as they say is history.
Mark Wahlberg is superb as Papale. He embodies not just the man but the time, the sensibilities, the neighborhood, the hype and the hoopla, Papale’s undying enthusiasm and belief in himself, and Philadelphia. (We are a unique breed us Philadelphians.) Key to Wahlberg’s performance is his belief that he had to be real, he had to be authentic. He had to play the game and know how to handle the ball. And with that in mind, he drove himself to be physically as well as mentally prepared for the role. Determined to be the best Papale that he could be, Wahlberg ran through the streets of Philly a la Rocky Balboa. To perfect a South Philly accent, he hung out with Papale and some drivers on the set. And let me tell you, he nailed it.
Drawing on his own life experience, Wahlberg himself notes the similarities between himself and Papale. “The biggest difference I saw between Philly where Vince grew up and Boston where I’m from is that Philly’s got rowhouses, and Boston has triple deckers. And there was more Irish in my neighborhood than Italian. But other than that, you know, we could be brothers.” Ironically, Vince Papale himself made the same correlation and in a recent interview stated, “Wahlberg’s from South Boston and I grew up in South Philly, so we both came from rough backgrounds,” notes the former footballer. “He told me he’d play the role with integrity and passion and enthusiasm and that he’d make me proud. And he did.”
Greg Kinnear takes on the gargantuan task of portraying Dick Vermeil and does so with compassion and gusto. With a focused intensity, he personalizes a man that rarely showed his personal side and does so in a low key effectual manner. And I have to mention Michael Nouri’s portrayal of then Eagles owner Leonard Tose. Watch any old news tape, read any interview, Nouri’s take on Tose is perfection! And of course, a masterful casting touch are 75 Philly locals as fans and Papele’s football playing friends.
Screenwriter Brad Gann makes his debut with a well crafted script that focuses on the individual rather than the team spirit. As if custom made for Disney’s patented sports biopic formula such as that in “The Rookie” (another fave of mine), it is insightful and inspiring; encouraging and uplifting; and gives new meaning to the term “perseverance.” For me, one of the big keys to this story is Gann’s attention to detail, verbiage, phraseology and Philadelphia as a whole. Incorporating the neighborhood dialects and cultures, he captures the rabid Philly fan to a tee (including my oldest nephews and brother Bob who are all die hard sports fanatics – especially about the Eagles.)
But big kudos to director Ericson Core who also make his bit screen debut. A top notch cinematographer, with Invincible Core proves he’s first string as both director and the film’s cinematographer. Shooting on location in South Philly at world famous Franklin Field at University of Pennsylvania, Core keeps the film moving at an even clip, and although laden with football and action, keeps his eye on the ball and the personal story being told.
And I would be remiss not to mention Production Designer Sarah Knowles as well as Costume Designer Susan Lyall and make-up master Donald Mowat, the man responsible for Wahlberg’s 70’s style and look. As any true Eagles fan knows, when Tose sold the team the new owner picked a new color of green for the official team color (allegedly from a Crayola crayon box). Susan Lyall did her homework and has the original bold, blazing and bright Eagles green f the 70’s gracing uniforms, fans and sports merchandise. All are key to the success and authenticity of this story.
INVINCIBLE should prove invincible at the box office. With football season around the corner this is the perfect pre-season game. Touchdown!!
Vince Papale: Mark Wahlberg Dick Vermeil: Greg Kinnear Leonard Tose: Michael Nouri
Directed by Ericson Core. Written by Brad Gann. Rated PG. (104 min)
