At one hour and 45 minutes long...I wanted it to keep going. This movie doesn't have a lot of action, special effects or big names. What it does have is even better. This biographical movie of Vince Papale has strong friendships, pride and most of all, hope & dreams.
As a down on his luck Philly bartender Vince (Mark Wahlberg) is coaxed into the open tryouts for the Philadelphia Eagles professional football team. The open tryouts are a last ditch effort to shake up his team by the new coach, Dick Vermeil (Greg Kinnear). When it comes to the final cut for the team the coach goes against his assistants and gives Papale the final spot. It doesn't mean an instant turn around and the team winning every game. In fact, the bruising punishment Papale is put thru makes me in awe of his determination to see his dream fulfilled.
The glue to this movie are Papale's friends. Michael Rispoli as Max, the owner of Max's Bar and employer/friend of Papale, shows there are still good guys out there. Elizabeth Banks plays Janet Cantwell, Max's, New Yorker cousin, who becomes interested in Vince. Friends, Max (Michael Rispoli), Tommy (Kirk Acevedo), Johnny (Dov Davidoff), Pete (Michael Kelly), Mick (Sal Darigo) with their sandlot football games and hanging together at Max's bar show how people depend on each other. That the friends are down on their luck, with factory strikes & little money, doesn't matter to them when their friend is living his dream. Their banding together to support Papale is inspiring and makes one wish they could surround themselves with people just like them.
Mark Wahlberg and Greg Kinnear are outstanding as Papale and Vermeil. Each of the supporting cast are convincing and real in the roles that the play.
A must see movie, even if your not a sports fan!


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12