Blast From the Past Review
by Homer Yen (homer_yen AT yahoo DOT com)February 21st, 1999
“Blast” Delivers Low-Impact Fun
by Homer Yen
(c) 1999
If you meet Adam Webber (Brendan Frasier), you’ll notice something wonderfully appealing about him. He’s extremely well-mannered, displays a generous amount of social grace and etiquette, exhibits almost-forgotten codes of chivalrous conduct, and really knows how to swing dance. But you’ll also notice something strangely odd about him as well. He’s surprised to see black people (upon seeing one, he exclaims, “oh my lucky starts – a Negro!”). He’s not very familiar with riding mass transit. And when someone states that they are ‘gay’, Adam thinks that they are just extremely happy. Exhibiting a Kennedy-era look and attitude, you might think that he was holed up somewhere for the last 30 years. Well, that’s close.
"Blast from the Past" looks at the Webber family(Dad played by Christopher Walken; Mom played by Sissy Spacek) who, thirtysome years ago during the height of the cold war, retreated underground into their elaborate fallout shelter believing that nuclear war was at hand. While underground, Adam was born, and he was raised in a vacuum of time that featured stubby haircuts, endless Honeymooners reruns and knowledge dispensed by his Dad that only went up to the mid-60s. But now, it is present day and any residual radiation from the nuclear fallout should have dissipated. And in a funny sequence, the father takes a peek at the outside world for the first time in thirty years. He has no idea that what has sprung up is a crime- and litter -infested neighborhood. After running into a transvestite prostitute, which he diagnosis as a mutant dual-sexual, he retreats back underground. But supplies are running low, and Adam will be needed to go out and find more. He’s armed with cash, valuable baseball cards, and stock certificates. But on a more personal note, he hopes to meet up with a girl that isn’t a mutant and that doesn’t glow in the dark.
During his supply run, he meets up with unlucky-in-love Eve (Alicia Silverstone). Adam definitely needs some help. Not at all familiar with today’s society, he hires Eve to help him track down the lengthy list of supplies as well as be his guide and to keep him out of trouble. But he has some girl hunting to do too. Eve agrees to help him, and the film focuses on more than a few cute moments where yesteryear’s Adam has to insert himself into the world of today. Most of this material will elicit a grin or two, which is mostly because of Frasier’s affability. He’s cute and has an infectious smile. But there are some scenes that are really funny such as when they go to a club to meet girls (called Club 40s where the music is nothing but swing). Watch as Adam uses his innocence to meet two gorgeous and talented dancers. They trip the lights fantastic while shivers of jealously begin to run up and down Eve’s spine. Of course, the two will eventually fall in love (with the names Adam and Eve, how could they not?), and it’s just a matter of time as they both try to understand each other’s world. It’s the standard fish out of water story with some silliness, sweetness and some clever bits of originality mixed in. I was surprised by how likeable this film was.
Grade: B-
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