Common Sense Media Review
Fish-out-of-water comedy with some salty language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Blast from the Past
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
- In theaters : February 12, 1999
- On DVD or streaming : July 27, 1999
- Cast : Alicia Silverstone , Brendan Fraser , Christopher Walken
- Director : Hugh Wilson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : New Line
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 112 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : brief language, sex and drug references
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
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