23 Blast

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23 Blast

PG-13

2014

1h 38m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

36%

Tomatometer

22 Reviews

66%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

As a typical teenager, Travis Freeman is a local hero both on and off the high-school football field in his small Kentucky town, but in 1997, Travis contracts an infection that destroys his optic nerve and renders him blind overnight. With the loving help and concern of his parents, physical therapist, coach and best friend, Travis demonstrates what true bravery is. He continues to compete on the gridiron and helps his team advance to the state finals.

Critics Consensus

The real life story that inspired 23 Blast is undeniably heartwarming -- but the movie itself is too predictable and amateurish to recommend.

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Jordan Hoffman

Guardian

10/24/2014

2/5

A football field is rectangular, but this movie's is hopelessly square.

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Bill Edelstein

Variety

10/24/2014

A fairly predictable yarn that's lighthearted and well-acted, if cast mostly with characters that are little more than tackling dummies.

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Robert Abele

Los Angeles Times

10/23/2014

By-the-numbers inspirational trudgework.

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Bernard Boo

Way Too Indie

03/22/2019

5/10

23 Blast may not be a good movie, but it's honest about what it is and doesn't pander to wider audiences looking for edginess and cynicism.

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Todd Jorgenson

Cinemalogue

10/31/2014

Despite some solid performances and gritty game footage, emotionally it falls short of the end zone.

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Barbara Shulgasser

Common Sense Media

10/24/2014

3/5

Inspiring true-life tale about blind football player.

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Melinda M

@RT80546238 08/25/2024

This was a compelling story based off the real life of a young man who goes blind. I feel like a few of the negative reviews are because this young nmn had faith in God.

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Jerod S

@jeroduptown 02/21/2023

How do you play football after going blind? Not super well, but it's a good story based on a Kentucky football player that eventually went into ministry.

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trina f

@TrinaT28 06/04/2022

It's a very inspiring movie. It makes one realize that life can be what we make of it. God always has a plan.

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12/16/2019

The main character actually does a decent job acting as a blind person. Has some well known actors that are in this B-movie. Some moments are charming, but some are forced. The movie tends to switch moods and tones inconsistently. Overall a movie that you can enjoy but its takes someone who is fan of sports movies and dramas to love.

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corkball

@RT87142816 11/07/2019

Formulaic, predictable feel-good family film. It isn't a great movie, and there won't be any surprises. It is full of spunky, upbeat characters that in many films would be considered annoying. But if you are in the mood for a cornball uplift, this DOES deliver. My wife loved it.

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08/14/2019

Great inspiring family fare, wonderful cast, shot in the town where it took place. If it's predictable that the good guys win and a simply told story on a low budget is amateurish, then so be it, IMO it's still worth recommending.

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Synopsis

As a typical teenager, Travis Freeman is a local hero both on and off the high-school football field in his small Kentucky town, but in 1997, Travis contracts an infection that destroys his optic nerve and renders him blind overnight. With the loving help and concern of his parents, physical therapist, coach and best friend, Travis demonstrates what true bravery is. He continues to compete on the gridiron and helps his team advance to the state finals.

Director: Dylan Baker
Producer: Gary Donatelli, Toni Hoover, Dylan Baker
Screenwriter: Toni Hoover, Bram Hoover
Distributor: Ocean Avenue Entertainment
Production Co: Touchdown Productions, Toy Gun Films
Rating: PG-13 (Some Teen Drinking)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 24, 2014, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 19, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $485.1K
Runtime: 1h 38m