23 Blast

Gr 7 Up—Based on a true story, this feature film recounts a terrifying, but ultimately hope-filled time in the life of teenager Travis Freeman. Handsome, athletic, and an all-around good kid, Freeman is the heart of his high school football team. Because of a staph infection, Freeman loses sight in both eyes. What follows is an inspiring story of love, resilience, and faith. There are no maudlin, overwrought scenes; the well-crafted screenplay heightens drama without turning into cornball. For instance, when the surgeon tells Freeman's parents the outcome of their son's surgery, the voices are muted. As the surgeon talks, upset and disbelief cloud the parents' faces. Minutes later, the viewer learns right along with Freeman that blindness is the result of the infection. His path to a new normalcy is predictable, but compelling nonetheless. Freeman wavers, but he ultimately reclaims faith in God. He also has a conflict with his BFF who drinks too much, and begins a romance that blossoms out of a childhood friendship. Additional conflict arises when another player on the team resents the risky proposition of letting Freeman play. All of the actors perform with understated finesse as small-town, blue-collar people. However, Stephen Lang steals the film as the avuncular and innovative Coach Farris. There are many positive messages concerning the values of perseverance, faith, family, and friendship. Sensitive topics such as underage drinking and religion are handled judiciously.