Barnes & Noble

Legendary Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Vince Papale, beautifully played by Mark Wahlberg in what may be his best screen work to date, springs to life in this powerful if predictable hit. A 30-year-old fan whose previous football experience has been limited to the sandlots of South Philly, former teacher and part-time bartender Papale is recruited in 1976 by Eagles head coach Dick Vermeil (Greg Kinnear). Overcoming his lack of experience and relatively advanced age, Vince makes the team by dint of his iron will and unceasing effort, ultimately winning over his skeptical teammates and leading them to victory while earning the love of barmaid Janet Cantrell (Elizabeth Banks). Director Ericson Core and screenwriter Bran Gunn stress Vince’s struggle to stay focused despite discouragement from the other players, who think his recruitment nothing more than a Vermeil publicity stunt. Although the film plays out along the familiar lines of other underdog sports stories, its near veracity gives it an extra kick. Papale himself figures prominently in the DVD’s supplemental features -- a 28-minute featurette titled “Becoming Invincible: The Story of Vince Papale” -- as well as audio commentary in which he interacts with producer Mark Ciardi and scriptwriter Gann. Disney was wise to involve him so extensively: You can’t help but admire Papale’s passion, spirit, and obvious love of life. The featurette shows him, wide-eyed and beaming, shooting candid on-set footage with a handheld video camera. Referring to the thrill of having his story immortalized on film, he is heard saying, “I wish I could bottle this.” Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

From the producers of The Rookie and Remember the Titans comes an inspirational sports drama detailing the true story of a down-on-his-luck football fan whose dreams of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the best of the gridiron became a once-in-a-lifetime reality when he took part in an open tryout organized by Philadelphia Eagles coach Dick Vermeil. Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg) was a 30-year-old substitute teacher and part-time bartender who had never even played college football. When Coach Vermeil (Greg Kinnear) made the unprecedented announcement that he would be holding open tryouts for the Philadelphia Eagles, Papale would go against incredible odds to live the dream and experience every fan's biggest fantasy. With a position on the Eagles secured and a new life path forged out of little more than determination and persistence, Papale takes to the field to experience the life-altering rush of running yards as a stadium full of cheering fans burst from their seats to support the hometown hero who proved it's never too late to take control of your own destiny. Jason Buchanan

Product Details

• UPC: 786936726107
• Source: WALT DISNEY VIDEO
• Region Code: A
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby AC-3 Surround Sound
• Editions: Subtitled, Dubbed
• Time: 1:44:00
• Sales Rank: 21,783

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