Michael Daugherty

Michael DaughertyActually I would go against the 2 in a half stars rating as this movie reminds me of Jean-Claude Van Damme's Bloodsport movie and In Hell. It has a great storyline, but I wish that they would have given more of a back story on why the main character is an ex-con, that's the reason why I put 4 out of 5 stars instead of 5 out of 5.

Michael DaughertyThe movie makes you feel like you're diving into the story with the main character. So we'll written and everyone did a great job on their roles. It's these types of classics that make you want to continue to go back and watch the same movies over and over again.

2 likes

Michael DaughertyIt's an okay movie, but with an all-over-the-place story. Would definitely call this a stoner movie.

Michael DaughertyThis is one of those films that sneaks up on you with its quiet power With a high school football player from small-town Kentucky whose life gets turned upside down when a rare infection steals his sight overnight. What could’ve been the end of his dreams becomes a testament to grit, faith, and the kind of community that lifts you up when you’re broken. Watching Travis, played with such raw heart by Mark Hapka, stumble through his new reality, angry, scared, but never fully defeated, hit me right in the chest. The way his coach (Stephen Lang, gruff but tender) and his best friend Jerry (Max Adler, who broke my heart with his own struggles) rally around him made me believe in people again. The film’s got this unpolished charm, sure, the production’s a little rough around the edges, and some moments lean hard into sports-movie clichés, but it’s so earnest you can’t help but root for it. The soundtrack swells at all the right spots, and scenes. It’s not perfect as the pacing drags a bit, and the romance with Ashley (Alexa PenaVega, radiant as ever) felt a touch too sweet, but it’s got soul. You feel the weight of every hit on the field, every whispered prayer, every step Travis takes into the dark. That said, I’ve since learned it’s not a perfect mirror of Travis Freeman’s life. Based on a true story, yes, but it’s not totally accurate in depicting every detail as the real Travis lost his sight at 12, not as a high school star, and the film skips over huge chunks of his journey, like his later work as a minister, to keep the football dream front and center. Characters like Ashley seem more Hollywood than Corbin, and some of Jerry’s arc feels shaped for the screen. But honestly? That didn’t dim the glow for me. 23 Blast isn’t a documentary; it’s a love letter to resilience, faith, and second chances. It left me inspired, a little choked up, and grateful for stories, true or not, that remind us what we’re capable of when we refuse to quit.