Parents' Guide to

23 Blast

By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Inspiring true-life tale about blind football player.

Movie PG-13 2014 98 minutes
23 Blast Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 4 parent reviews

YoungChristian
YoungChristian Adult
February 4, 2020
age 18+

Not Accurate Review!

The Main review says that there is no language or Inappropriate Behavior, but there was quite a bit of profanity and some inappropriate content (not as bag as it could be, but still awkward and to me, inappropriate)! It was very disappointing to read how clean this movie was only to be surprised when I watched it! I don't understand how they have to ruin a good story with this stuff!

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
RockoF
RockoF Parent of 8-year-old
May 16, 2016
age 11+

good movie, but info is not accurate

My 8&9 year olds enjoyed the movie, but the review was not complete in the "language" and "sexy stuff". Crap, Hell, and Damn are all used, there is a lot of drinking, and there is flirting, a pretty serious kiss, and an awkward bedroom scene where the main character takes off his shirt in front of the girl and she just stares at his chest before he asks for help putting his shirt on, which she then helps before his dad busts into the room and they pull apart as if they were doing something wrong. just FYI for more conservative watchers!
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

After a severe eye infection, high school football star Travis (Mark Hapka) wakes up blind and immediately succumbs to all the stages of mourning for his lost sight, including rage and depression. His concerned father (director Dylan Baker) and mother (Kim Zimmer) feel helpless, but his caseworker, Patty (feisty and amusing Betty Ann Baker), forces Travis to learn to walk with a cane and to reintegrate into his old life. In the meantime, Travis' team falters without him. His wise coach (Stephen Lang) recognizes that Travis' generous spirit and football smarts can still play a role in bringing the team together. The coach asks him to come back and play in a specially defined role, but Travis hesitates, fearing he'll let his team down -- then the movie suggests that he looks to spiritual inspiration to give him the courage to take to the field. Ultimately, he not only shows the good stuff he's made of but triumphs after high school as well. A secondary plot concerns Travis' best friend Jerry (Bram Hoover), who's been troubled since childhood and drinks too much beer. His friends have reason to worry about him, but despite jealousy and self-doubt, he comes through for Travis.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (5):

Baker takes what could be a preachy script based on real lives and turns it into an even-handed movie with a largely pleasing story of triumph over adversity. A few cliches were probably unavoidable -- Timothy Busfield is a caricature as the school athletic director, meddling with the coach's decisions. But Lang brings depth, humor, and Kentucky charm to the seen-it-all coach who gives Travis a chance.

The inevitable and climactic Big Game and its formulaic drama are handled well in the script, acting, and especially direction. Hapka, who looks like a young Matt Damon, and Hoover, as the damaged-but-loyal Jerry, both make their long friendship believable. Disability can be a difficult subject for children, and this movie may not be for every tween, but some may be inspired to work through their own shortcomings and challenges after seeing this.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what it would be like to suddenly be disabled. What would you no longer be able to do that you used to do? What might you be able to do better than you used to do?

  • How can feeling sorry for yourself work against you? How can facing adversity help make you a stronger person than you were before?

  • Some members of Travis' team didn't want him to come back, but they found that if they helped Travis play better, the team would benefit. How can helping one other person sometimes lead to benefits for many?

Movie Details

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