~ This post was sponsored by 23 Blast. All opinions are my own.
I watched 23 Blast last night with my husband, and all I can say is WOW. 23 Blast is a truly inspiring movie, that I highly encourage families to watch together. Now, the movie is rated PG 13, but other than some moments of drinking I can't really see anything else that would prevent parents from allowing their children to watch this. I watched it without my son's because I wasn't sure what to expect, but they will be watching this with me. This movie is based on a true story and will give me a chance to share a story with my children that I am sure will impact them.
I think this movie is perfect for youth groups because they understand the pressures and fear that come from being in middle school and high school. Mix that with any issues or obstacles they may be facing in their own lives, and this movie is sure to bring hope, challenge their faith, and remind them that things won't always be as they are in this moment.
This movie doesn't just reach into the lives of young people though, it challenge all of us.
One of my favorite scenes is about 50 minutes into the film. Travis is sitting in church and the preacher asks the people sitting in the pews to close their eyes, and imagine only ever seeing what they see right then (complete darkness, nothing at all), then he this is what the pastor says.
"What you see right now, is what you're going to see for the rest of your life. How would you respond if someone told you that you would never see the light of day again? Would you be angry? Would you be bitter? Would you blame God and ask why me? Maybe beneath all of those questions, all of that emotion, is simply fear. Fear of what your life will be. Who are you? Who are you? "
TALK ABOUT POWERFUL WORDS!
I mean imagine going blind, or going through a divorce, or having someone close to you die, being raped, or trusting someone with every secret only to be betrayed. We all go through things in this life that challenge us and bring us to our knees. I can only hope we respond the way Travis Freeman did!
So please, go watch this film when it comes out tomorrow (October 24th), you will be glad you did!
Info about 23 Blast:
23 Blast features Travis Freeman, a typical teenager growing up in a small town in Kentucky, who is a local hero on and off the field. In the fall of 1997, in the prime of his youth, he is unexpectedly stricken with an infection that destroys his optic nerve. He becomes blind overnight. Under the influence of parents who love him, a physical therapist who challenges him, a coach who inspires him, and a best friend who he cannot bear to leave behind, Travis shows us what true bravery is by competing on the gridiron, helping his Corbin High School team advance to the state playoffs. 23 Blast follows Travis and Jerry Baker, his closest friend, from the time they meet on the football field as kids through high school. Baker’s attraction to the dark side of teenage temptations, beer and drugs, threatens to pull the friends apart. It is only on the football field where they truly connect.
Watch The Trailer:
Learn More about 23 Blast Online:
23 Blast Website
23 Blast on Twitter
23 Blast Facebook Page
The Production:,
23 Blast is written by Bram Hoover (who also stars as Jerry Baker) and Toni Hoover, directed/produced by Dylan Baker (Spider-Man 2 & 3, 13 Days) and produced by Gary Donatelli and Toni Hoover. Executive producers for the movie include Daniel Snyder (owner of the Washington Redskins), Misook Doolittle and Brent Ryan Green.
Get animated!