In 1976, a 30-year-old bartender, who played only one year of high school football,
tried to become the NFL's most unlikely rookie.

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Elizabeth Banks, Greg Kinnear, Kevin Conway, Kirk Acevedo, Dov Davidoff, Michael Kelly, Stink Fisher

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"These are the toughest fans there are. They threw snowballs at Santa Claus." - Carol Vermeil, about her husband taking the Philadelphia Eagles head coaching job

Why watch this? It's one of my favorite sports films, and I hate the Eagles.

Plot Summary: This is the true story of Vince Papale, a 30-year-old substitute teacher and bartender in 1970s Philadelphia, who faces a series of personal setbacks including losing his job and a separation from his wife. A lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan, Vince decides to try out for his favorite team when the newly hired coach announces open tryouts. Despite never having played college football, Vince's determination leads to him being offered a spot at training camp.

Dad's Preview: This is the story of Vince Papale, a local bartender who made the Eagles team when new coach, Dick Vermeil, held "open" tryouts in an attempt to find a spark. The rest is Philadelphia Eagles history. This may be the greatest underdog story ever. Wahlburg is superb as the regular guy who gambles on a chance. The rest of the cast is great including Greg Kinnear as Coach Dick Vermeil, and Elizabeth Banks as Janet, a sassy Giants fan who falls for Vince. My son and I met Mr. Papale at an Eagles game in 2012 - what a nice guy!

Walt Disney Pictures, Mayhem Pictures; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.