23 Blast
Ocean Avenue Entertainment | Release Date: October 24, 2014 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
45
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 10 Critics
Positive:
2
Mixed:
6
Negative:
2
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
75
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleOct 23, 2014
There’s the sense here that living in a tiny community can either make you bigger or smaller, and in 23 Blast we see both types, from the petty to the stoic and self-reliant. Read full review
63
Chicago Sun-TimesBill ZweckerOct 23, 2014
The message of inspiration is strong and certainly qualifies as solid family entertainment. I only wish there were fewer trite truisms scattered throughout the script and less predictable dialogue for the solid troupe of actors to deliver. Read full review
60
The Hollywood ReporterMichael RechtshaffenOct 22, 2014
Stepping behind the camera, versatile actor Dylan Baker makes an assured directorial debut, drawing spirited performances from his seasoned cast while mainly steering clear of the usual, treacly movie-of-the week conventions that often go with the territory. Read full review
60
Village VoiceAlan ScherstuhlOct 21, 2014
Dylan Baker's film bests larger-budgeted fare like When the Game Stands Tall thanks to ace acting, a humble spirit, and all-around sturdy craftsmanship. Read full review
50
VarietyBill EdelsteinOct 23, 2014
A fairly predictable yarn that’s lighthearted and well-acted. Read full review
50
Washington PostSandie Angulo ChenOct 23, 2014
Despite the decent performances, the script by first-time screenwriter Toni Hoover (who reportedly Googled “how to write a screenplay” after deciding to chronicle the story of her blinded football-playing friend) swings from flat to overly sentimental, while Baker’s rookie direction is predictable and occasionally confusing. Read full review
40
Los Angeles TimesRobert AbeleOct 23, 2014
Once tragedy strikes, the clichés in Bram and Toni Hoover's screenplay win out, and Baker never stirs up enough energy to make it feel any different from a thousand other tales of underdog triumph. Read full review
40
The New York TimesNeil GenzlingerOct 23, 2014
Although the film has moments when it’s serious about exploring the challenges that someone in Travis’s situation faces, it ultimately prefers to be just another football movie with a hokey big-game ending. Read full review
33
The A.V. ClubIgnatiy VishnevetskyOct 22, 2014
It is a heartfelt, earnest piece of flatly lit Americana, made in a hypnotically dull style usually associated with mid-century industrial filmmaking. Read full review
30
Austin ChronicleJosh KupeckiOct 22, 2014
23 Blast is a well-acted inspirational sports drama that never quite rises above the treacly mire of cliches that seem inherent to the genre. Read full review
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