Invincible
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Is it age appropriate?
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Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Inspiring sports-underdog story for tweens and up.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Invincible was written by Jane Boursaw
Parents need to know that this movie includes gritty scenes of South Philly in the 1970s, when jobs were scarce, strikes were rampant, and times were desperate. There are also references to the death of Frank's wife. There's some mild profanity, smoking, drinking, and sports violence.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about how our spirit and determination can get us through the rough patches. How do you handle it when it seems like the world is plotting against you? Should you give up when things aren't looking good? Should you let others give up? How did playing on the Eagles help Vince overcome his doubts about his own abilities?
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More on Invincible
What’s the Story?
The year is 1976, and things look grim for Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg). After his wife dumps him and he loses his teaching job, the 30-year-old Philly resident learns that the new coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, Dick Vermeil (Greg Kinnear), is having open tryouts for the city's pro football team. He has nothing to lose, so he joins dozens of other hopefuls with big dreams. Amazingly, Papale makes the team and goes from fan to player in one fell swoop. Against the wishes of the other coaches and trainers, Vermeil decides to let Papale play. Pretty soon, Papale's a true hometown hero -– an everyman who has the whole town standing behind him, including his working-stiff dad (Kevin Conway), and the attractive Janet Cantwell (Elizabeth Banks). But Vince's sandlot football mates have mixed reactions—a few live vicariously through him, another is jealous and worries about losing Vince to fame and fortune.
Is It Any Good?
Sure, it's the classic sports-underdog-defying-the-odds movie that's been done a million times. But it works, which is why studios keep churning them out and why we keep flocking to see them. This one has the added benefit of true life –- Vince Papale is a real person, and this story really happened. And like prize-fighter Jim Braddock in Cinderella Man, Vince gave hope to a lot of people struggling through tough times. They needed something –- and someone –- to cheer for.
The film captures the gritty, financially-pressed times of south Philly in the mid-1970s. Lots of wood paneling, shag carpet, and cheesy garage-band music give it an authentic feel. The football scenes, filmed in cooperation with the NFL and real football players, are intense –- you can almost hear bones breaking. Not only that, Wahlberg is an awesome athlete who did all his own stunts, so those bruises and welts are the real deal. And Vince is a likeable guy. You really want him to succeed -– from the first scenes where his wife dumps him to the local-guy-makes-good ending. Greg Kinnear scores a touchdown as Coach Vermeil, and Elizabeth Banks is surely destined to be a big star. With an inspiring story, snappy dialogue, true-to-life characters, and plenty of goosebump scenes, this movie's a winner.
Movie Details
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures, Director: Ericson Core
Run time: 104 minutes
Theatrical release: 8/25/2006, DVD release: 12/19/2006
MPAA Rating: PG for sports action and some mild language
Run time: 104 minutes
Theatrical release: 8/25/2006, DVD release: 12/19/2006
MPAA Rating: PG for sports action and some mild language
Our Members Say
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Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on and give it
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I rate this title on and give it
Great family movie
A great story to watch as a family.
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I rate this title on and give it
It's emotional, encouraging and motivating movie
Great movie. I will buy it and use the movie for instructional purpose. To motivate young kids and adults as well in never to give up in life and dreams. Never to feel defeated you can always succeed as long as you try and try harder.
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I rate this title on and give it
Feel good and harmless
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I rate this title on and give it
You want to stand up and applaud!
The whole family felt great when we left the theater.
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