23 Blast – Review and Recommendation

I’ve been following 23 Blast for awhile and was glad to have the opportunity to finally review it. I love movies based on a true story and this is one amazing story.

23 Blast is about a high school football star who is suddenly stricken with irreversible, total blindness. He must decide whether to live a safe, protected life or to summon the courage through playing football to step back into the world. 23 Blast is based on the amazing, true story of Travis Freeman.. Under the influence of parents who love him, a physical therapist who challenges him, a coach who inspires him, and a best friend who he cannot bear to leave behind, Travis shows us what true bravery is by competing on the gridiron, helping his team advance to the State playoffs. We follow Travis and Jerry Baker, his closest friend, from the time they meet on the football field as kids through high school. Jerry’s attraction to the dark side of teenage temptations threatens to pull the friends apart. It is only on the football field where they truly connect.

This is one of those movies that makes me wish I knew more about sports. So much of the movie involves football, and a basic knowledge of how the game works would really add to the appreciation. Even so, with my limited understanding of football, I still enjoyed the story of Travis Freeman and how he overcame blindness and continued to pursue his dreams. I especially liked finding out what he went on to do with his life.

The casting of the movie was excellent. Each of the actors were believable in their roles, especially Dylan Baker and Kim Zimmer as the parents. Mark Hapka did an incredible job of Travis. He was very convincing as being blind and helpless. I also liked Alexa PenaVega as Ashley. She was a perfect mix of girl next door and girlfriend.

There’s not much of a Christian message, but if you’re looking for a feel-good entertaining movie the whole family can watch and enjoy, then check it out.

To win your own copy of the movie, comment below. Deadline to enter, Feb. 6.