Blast from the Past

Movie review by Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Blast from the Past Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Fish-out-of-water comedy with some salty language.

PG-13 1999 112 minutes
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 11+

Based on 4 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

Stands out for .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that the comedy in this film is based on an exaggerated clash of cultures -- the relative innocence and wholesomeness of the 1960s vs. the disillusionment and jaded materialism of the 1990s. Casual swearing is prominent in the 1990s scenes, where there are also porn shops, sexy TV commercials, a prostitute in drag, and scenes in which characters appear to be high on marijuana or drugs. In the 1960s, almost everyone smokes. And there's lots of drinking in both decades.

Community Reviews

goodgirl
goodgirl Adult
September 3, 2015
age 12+

great late 90's movie.

great movie! the music in the movie is great like I see the sun when Adam is roller blading in the park. a movie mostly for tweens and teens and if there 12 and up its alright.

This title has:

Great messages
Demidov
Demidov Adult
July 26, 2013
age 14+

Strongly suggest "mature" 14+ age limit.

I do not understand why there is a common sense age rating for 12 year olds. The film depicts an adult book store, a male prostitute dressed in drag, the term "getting" laid, and so on. Yes, children probably hear about this sort of thing at school, but viewing as a family film is not a place for my child do be exposed to these sort of things. I strongly suggest 14 and up, if you are a parent who feels these sort of situations are something you would not like exposing your "innocent" children to.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In BLAST FROM THE PAST, Brendan Fraser plays Adam, who was born in 1962, in an elaborate bomb shelter constructed by his eccentric genius of a father (Christopher Walken). His parents, mistakenly believing that a nuclear bomb exploded in Los Angeles, stayed in the shelter for 35 years. Adam comes out in 1997 to get supplies. He meets Eve (Alicia Silverstone) who is at first annoyed and bewildered by his innocence and old-fashioned values, but then charmed by them.

Is It Any Good?

This leisurely comedy has no surprises or special insights, but it does have attractive performers (including Dave Foley as Troy, the gay best friend). It doesn't waste much time on Adam's surprise at the changes of the last 35 years. Instead, it allows us to share his undiluted joy from the simple pleasures he has never had a chance to experience, like the sunrise and the ocean. And it's even poignant as Troy and Eve envy Adam's old-fashioned good manners and love for his family.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the differences between the early 1960s, when Adam was born, and the late 1990s, when he first experiences the world beyond his family's bomb shelter. Families can also learn more about the history of bomb shelters.

Movie Details

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