23 Blast

23 BLAST is an entertaining and inspiring film for the whole family! I typically find inspired-by- a-true-story films to be more engaging…and 23 BLAST definitely delivers on this front. Travis Freeman's story of overcoming extreme adversity would seem impossible if it weren't true. I loved the inspiring themes of perseverance, friendship, family and faith. They apply well beyond the gridiron that serves as the backdrop for 23 BLAST. The production value is high and the acting is believable and engaging in this film. Mark Hapka delivers an amazingly believable performance as Travis Freeman. Stephen Lang is compelling and inspiring as Coach Freeman. Mark Hapka and Bram Hoover (playing Travis's friend Jerry) have great chemistry together as best friends and deliver well on both the humor and emotional elements. Alexa Vega plays friend Ashley very well, adding a nice emotional and romantic touch that balances out the film. After seeing the film, I've enjoyed learning more about the real Travis Freeman, which adds even more to my experience of the film.

These kind of sports movies are a hit or miss with me (no pun intended) the scripts all tend to be more or less the same, so it all comes down to if the director and cast is able to take it beyond the clichés and make you care for the characters.

And 23 BLAST does a pretty good job at that, it does come with a bit of a twist though in as the main football-hero is struck with blindness so I guess that helps to spark a greater interest because it's not exactly a common topic.

The cast are all fine, it has a bit of a TV-movie feel to it but overall yeah a good movie that doesn't get too depressing, in fact it made me laugh a couple times so yeah, it's no REMEMBER THE TITANS or BLIND SIDE but it's well worth seeing.

This movie is incredibly inspiring. I've always struggled to push myself out of my comfort zone. It was showed to everyone at our school and everyone loved it. Travis freemen (the real one) gave us a speech and told us how we can overcome every obstacle we come across. This movie opend my eyes and showed me I can do anything I put my mind to! This man is truly an inspiration to everyone he comes across. The movie is also really well written. The jokes, casting, writing, and the music goes together very well! I loved this movie and could watch it over and over again! It's also family friendly and teaches good lessons! 10/10.

I loved this movie. And to find out that the writer of the screenplay did it, in part, to help her son (he played Jerry), who wanted to become an actor, was amazing. And, I believe she went to the same school at the same time this all happened. Anyway, interesting to hear about the back end. Sorry that Jerry died in real life. But, I hope that Bram gets a lot more roles. He was very good!

Before I'm called heartless, let me just put out there how I have worked with kids with disabilities. So I understand the need for this type of genre, but I feel like this perpetuates this myth that persons with disabilities are perfect people who don't have sex drives, are super religious/self-righteous, and should always be right.

This is wrong. There are many types of truths that give people peace; it makes me sad that the movies who are courageous enough to handle tough topics like theodicy (religious Christian concept: why do bad things happen to good people?) never seem to develop more complex characters.

The only character struggles spiritually is Travis's best friend from school. His perspective is tossed aside as misguided; he's painted as a goof and mess-up while he is clearly suffering spiritually. Travis's "spiritual struggle" doesn't feel like much of a struggle at all. In fact, he's put on this pedestal. ("I am Travis Freeman.")

Aside from my philosophical issues with this movie, the dialogue was laughably bad.

"Why am I blind, dad?" "Too much infection."

"You're blind, son." "Is this going to last forever?"

"Travis has a minor infection we are treating with antibiotics." *(Five seconds pass)* "Travis is going in for surgery, now. He's running a 106 degree fever."

The only character I liked was the social worker; my two stars are for her. She wasn't preachy and prioritized him taking control over his health as opposed to "finding Jesus."

My other star is when Travis' friend takes him for a spin in the hospital; I really enjoyed that part. I feel like that scene encapsulated the little joys we appreciate when disability and serious life suffering enter our lives and the lives of those we love.