This Week's Selection: "BLAST FROM THE PAST"
In honor of Brendan Fraser's The Mummy Returns upcoming release, this week's choice for Video Pick of the Week is Blast from the Past. Next to Ewan McGregor, Brendan Fraser just happens to be one of my favorite actors. His unbelievable performances in School Ties, Gods and Monsters, Twilight of the Golds, and even the goofy George of the Jungle, have kept Brendan near the top of my favorite actors list.
In Blast from the Past, Fraser stars as Adam Webber, son of Calvin (Christopher Walken) and Helen (Sissy Spacek). Calvin and Helen mistakenly believe the Russians are bombing America and flee to the bomb shelter mad scientist Calvin has constructed in their otherwise unremarkable, suburban backyard. Adam is born in the shelter, and raised there until age 35, when his ailing father and semi-alcoholic mother need him to venture out of the shelter, up into the unknown world to gather supplies. Warned about potential mutants he may encounter, Adam sets out with cash and a shopping list. He also carries with him a box of collectable baseball cards and millions of dollars worth of stock certificates (though he has absolutely no clue his stash of belongings is worth anything).
The movie focuses on Adam's efforts at trying to figure out - and fit in - with the strange people inhabiting Earth in the 90's. He's been raised on Perry Como albums, "Honeymooners" episodes, and taught to be a perfect gentleman. He's never seen the sky, interacted with anyone but his parents, or felt rain. His mom taught him to dance while dad concentrated on academics. He's brutally ill-equipped to function outside the bomb shelter. On his first night away from home, Adam winds up lost and clueless as to where to go and what to do. Speaking of clueless, Alicia Silverstone, as Eve Rostokov, saves Adam from selling his baseball cards for tens of thousands less than they are worth. Finally encountering a friendly face, Adam latches on to Eve and refuses to let go.
This is a cute little romantic comedy featuring lots of fluff, some good music, and an enjoyable supporting cast including "Kids in the Hall" alumni, Dave Foley. Foley's character, Troy - Eve's roommate who happens to be gay - delivers some of the movie's biggest laughs. And, it's worth a look at this movie if for no other reason than to catch Brendan's dance scene!
Rated PG-13
112 Minutes
DVD Features:
Directed by: Hugh Wilson
Produced by: Renny Harlin and Hugh Wilson
Screenplay by: Bill Kelly and Hugh Wilson
Costume Designer: Mark Bridges
Music: Steve Dorff
Production Designer: Robert Ziembicki
Adam Webber - Brendan Fraser
Eve Rostokov - Alicia Silverstone
Calvin Webber - Christopher Walken
Helen Webber - Sissy Spacek
Troy - Dave Foley
Interested in purchasing "Blast From the Past?"
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES |
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Official Blast from the Past Website |
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Links to Brendan Fraser Fansites and Movie Sites |
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Official The Mummy Returns Site |
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JAM! Showbiz Archived Christopher Walken Interviews |
