Blast from the Past (1999)

Highly Overrated But Still Good

Boring

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

It's a movie as timely as it is provocative and amazingly, for much of its running time, it is weirdly funny.

Seeing some of these idiot reviews makes me understand how people voted for Trump and keep TV shows on the air and make Kardashians wealthy and believe Foxnews is close to being newsJust a few ridiculous premises... 1. no radio in the shelter? 2. no phone to contact relatives either during the stay or once they return to the surface?? 3. not one trip to a library or school to research the past 35 years?? 4. just a few hours of watching TV in his hotel would have wised him up to modern times ?? 5. stocks went up even in the 50's ...why not be aware they'd be worth much more now ??if you put logic aside...the movie becomes slightly believable...I emphasize slightlythere's been plenty of TV shows/movies made already that dealt with the "fish out of water" scenario when living in a different time period ..either past or future...ie. "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" "Hot Tub Time Machine" "Back to the Future" 1,2,3 etc. watch one of those

First off, yes, I am a little biased, I want to get that out of the way so that I am not accused of being biased, I am in this case, I love this movie for very personal reasons!I don't always enjoy romcoms, most times they are so painfully "by the numbers" they are more dull than a slasher film, at least people die in slashers if they annoy you, most times. ;P This is why "Blast from the Past" is so refreshing, while it has more than it's share of romcom clichés, it also has many welcoming elements that stray from your typical romcom, which may also be while it failed at the box office, but is definitely far and away, one of the best 1990's Romcoms. Brendan Frasier is a blast to watch, as the innocent and untainted Adam, but it is Christopher Walken and Sissy Spacek who steal the show, and while the movie without them is still fun and engaging because of Frasier's fun and amiable performance, the movie really takes off whenever Walken and Spacek are on screen. They are both touching and hilarious in their portrayals, and while display great physical comedy, they never go into caricature, which is quite a delicate balance for a film such as this. This is why the film works, without the Frasier, Spasek, and Walken's performances, this film would fall flat on it's face. Dave Folely and Alicia Silverstone are fun, but they have to play a lot more straight, however, Joel Slotnick, as somewhat unhinged defunct bar owner is fantastic, and provides some of the funniest moments in the film. The reason this film resonated with me as a 14yr when this was released, and the reason it still does today, is unlike "Pleasantville" it actually holds the higher moral standards of the 1960's in a much higher regard, it isn't trying to say "These are bad", in fact, it definitely portrays honor and decency and respect in a very favorable light. While, yes, often the clash of values is used for comedy or drama, it is never used to in a disrespectful manner. There is something to be said for a man that respects and honors a woman with his attention, but also doesn't just have sex with her, but actually gets to know her and loves her for who she is. This is still an element sorely missing for romantic comedies, they are almost solely based on sex, as if that should always be the basis of a relationship or always is. I have and still may be in the minority, but traditional moral values, while may not be in fashion, just produce better results in society, even if you vehemently disagree with them.I think I cried when the epilogue where Eve says Adam said a child should take care of their parents when they get old, that was always my philosophy, I didn't always appreciate everything my parents did, but I sure understood that they worked their butt off for me, and should they end up old and decrepit, I will take care of them, period, end of story. To see that value put forth in a film was both unexpected and pleasant, and remains a reason I really enjoy this film. God Bless ~Amy

Apparently, there was a time in film-making history (1999) where goofy Brendan Fraser antics and cutesy Alicia Silverstone smiles could be counted on to carry a film. Perhaps that "played" better in the late 90s than it does now, but for all the world this feels like a cheap, odd knock-off of 1998's "Pleasantville".For a basic plot summary, "Blast from the Past" is the story of Adam (Fraser), who is born and lives until age 35 in a fallout shelter when fanatical father (Christopher Walken) and mother (Sissy Spacek) believe the U.S. has been attacked by Russian nuclear capabilities (in reality, a plane accident on the front lawn). When "enough time has passed to eliminate the possibility of fallout", Adam ascends up into a world he is by no means ready for, where he meets Eve (Silverstone).There is one big problem with this movie and it is very easy to identify: They should have "played the material straight". "Pleasantville", released a year before this one, was able to take 50s nostalgia and make a poignant film out of it. "Blast" could have the very same type of setup, but instead chooses to go the "farcical comedy" route to great detriment. Every time you think the film might be on to something, it has to stoop to a cringe-worthy joke or do something ridiculous to try and justify the budding Adam/Eve relationship. Simply put, the film belongs squarely in the "rom/com" or even straight comedy genre, with barely a hint of serious drama or character- building present.I know that Silverstone had the "girl-next-door cute" thing going on for awhile and Fraser was the "dopey hunky guy", but (at least for me) that combination can't justify a movie like this. At times, it actually seems a bit embarrassing to see Walken & Spacek giving their all in such a sub- par effort.Thus, though potentially playing much better in the right climate (1990s), there is no getting around the fact that this isn't a quality film. It wastes a perfectly interesting setup by choosing not to pursue character development and going for the "caricature" approach instead.

Blast from the Past is a relatively entertaining 1999 comedy that could be considered the final installment of the Brendan Fraser "Fish out of Water" Trilogy, following Encino Man and George of the Jungle.The film stars Christopher Walken and Sissy Spacek as a 1950's couple with a child named Adam, who hide out in a bomb shelter during the 50's and what happens when a grown-up Adam (Fraser) decides to venture out of the shelter in 1999 Los Angeles because the family needs supplies.Fraser's effortless screen charisma and his experience with this kind of character makes this movie seem a lot better than it really is. Walken and Spacek are wonderful as his parents and Alicia Silverstone is adequate as the obligatory romantic interest.Hugh Wilson's direction is exuberant and keeps the story somewhat believable but it's really the performances of Fraser, Walken, and Spacek as the family caught in a time warp that make this film worth sitting through.