Even with a number of things going for it, Invincible feels too familiar. It’s a movie that’s been done to death, with the underdog sports star finally getting his chance to make something of himself. Despite the energy and charisma of Mark Wahlberg, Invincible is little more than an average sports movie.
It’s not that Vince Papale’s story doesn’t deserve to be a feature film. It’s not as if Invincible is terrible. In fact, there’s a decent movie here, but after seeing this same story in both fiction and non-fiction so many times, is there any need for it?
If you are going to go ahead and give the underdog sports movie a chance, then at least do something with it. Miracle was an excellent example, bringing the film to life with incredible action on the ice that brought forth the emotion and style of the game. It also helped it stand out.
With Invincible, first time director Ericson Core doesn’t try to separate his film from the pack. The football scenes are overloaded with slow motion that becomes overdone and grating. The camera angles are nothing NFL Films hasn’t done before in the past, and some of the edits do a poor job of establishing time. The games outside of the pro stuff, including one in a park between friends, must be the most violent games ever played.
The characters are also clichés, with the coach's wife doing little other than standing idly by while her husband works under increasing stress. There are the jealous players, the doubters, and the inspiring father. Oh, and don’t forget the hot girlfriend played by Elizabeth Banks.
Mark Wahlberg looks like a natural for this role. There’s no lack of enthusiasm for his role, and his performance is all around excellent. It’s not enough to make the film a recommendation, although fans will have something to look forward to. Also, die-hard Eagles fans know and love this story, so it’s an easy sell to them as well. Regardless, this is another “me too” effort of the type that Disney simply loves to death lately. 
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