Blast From The Past [1999]

Calvin Webber (Christopher Walken), a nerdy, nutty scientist, and his traditional and very pregnant wife, Helen (Sissy Spacek), are living in California in fifties style splendor in the early nineteen sixties, when the Cuban Missile Crisis occurs. Buying into the red scare of the day and convinced that attack by the communists is imminent, they immediately go underground into the super deluxe bomb shelter that Calvin had had the foresight to build under his house and fully equip with enough supplies to last thirty five years. No sooner do they do so, Calvin's fears are reinforced, as suddenly a force of great impact shudders overhead. Thinking that they were hit by an atomic blast set off by the communists, they hunker down for the next thirty five years, waiting for the radiation to dissipate.

In the interim, they have a baby boy, whom they name Adam (Brendan Fraser). As Adam grows up, he is unknowingly caught in a time warp with his parents, as they have no contact with the outside world. Adam's world view and values reflect that of his parents, as his entire life, thus far, has been spent underground soley in their company. When the thirty five years are up, Calvin surfaces briefly to check the state of affairs topside. What he sees, he misinterprets, and upon his return to the bomb shelter ends up having a heart attack. He and Helen then dispatch Adam on a reconnaissance mission to get needed supplies.

What transpires when Adam ventures into the outside world is very funny and often poignant. As played by Brendan Fraser, the thirty five year old Adam, a fresh faced, polite virgin with no fashion sense, has a Dudley-Do-Right quality and a load of goofy, sincere charm that ensures the comedic success of this film. His foray into the outside world, his endearingly innocent interpretation of all that he sees, and his interaction with others will leave the viewer laughing. When he runs into Eve (Alicia Silverstone), the hard edged, appropriately named, beautiful blonde with a heart of gold, he is smitten. Together they will leave the viewer hoping that Adam and Eve will find the Garden of Eden.

Christopher Walker is wonderful as the slightly nutty, paranoid but brilliant scientist. Sissy Spacek shows a distinct comedic flair as the patient and long suffering wife who buys into her husband's vision of things. Dave Foley of "Kids in the Hall" fame is terrific as Eve's drolly funny, gay roommate. Alicia Silverstone, while ostensibly the weakest link in this otherwise brilliantly cast comedy, still manages to give a more than acceptable performance as the cynical Eve. It is Brendan Fraser, however, with his aw-shucks, innocent veneer, who deftly steals the show right under everyone's nose. His charming and funny, ingratiating performance is one that will have the viewer watching this film over and over again. This is a must have comedy for one's personal collection.


A fun what if   June 18, 2003
B. Chandler (Arlington, Texas)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Back in the 60's we had the threat of nuclear war. Many people built fallout shelters. While most shelters were just holes in the ground, Calvin Webber (Christopher Walken) went all out and builds an environment to sustain his "family to be" for the duration. Due to a series of mishaps they are convinced that the war is taking place and descend to their underground abode. There they raise their newborn son with loving care. 35 years later it is time to test the waters. What they find is beyond their speculation and this is the first time out for their son. This is the story of the adventures of the son (Brendan Fraser) and what he found. Will he find a woman to return with or have to settle for a mutant?
The first shocker is the sound track of Randy Newman singing "Political Science." The song is just as (in) appropriate today.


Great Nostalgic Comedy   December 3, 2002
Peter Davidson
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

A film that can be watched over and over again without ever feeling bored. 'Blast From The Past' is a funny and sweet film about a young man who has lived in a nuclear fallout shelter since birth during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 to his emergence from the shelter in 1999 and the subsequent adventures that follow.

Brendan Fraser, in a step away from his action man persona of the Mummy films, plays the part of Adam with gusto and relish, his range of facial expressions throughout the film easily a match for any ever utilised by Jim Carrey, and he is a joy to watch. Alicia Silverstone as Eve provides a great though somewhat understated performance. Christopher Walken and Sissy Spacek are magnificent in their roles as Adam's wacko parents with Walken in particular, a comical gem. Dave Foley as Eve's gay housemate Troy, is the showstealer of the film however, his way of framing seemingly innocent comments as putdowns are one hilarious blast, particularly his barbed send-up of an unfortunate social worker. Laughs abound throughout the film.

This film is a fine example of how comedy need not resort to nudity or dubious situations to get a point across. You haven't lived in the past till you've seen this gem .... one great "blast from the past"!!!


Blast from the Past   January 6, 2003
N J Barnham (Hampshire, ENGLAND)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

It's 1962 and the Cold War has darkened the door of the USA. Calvin Webber (Christopher Walken) is prepared for every eventuality, building a fall out shelter that will accomodate himself, his wife (Sissy Spacek) and their unborn son for thirty-five years. After they mistake a plane crash in their back garden for a nuclear explosion the shelter closes and a controlled timer starts. A long wait is iminant. Adam (Brendan Fraser) now a thirty-five year old man, has never seen the outside world. The Sky, the sea and most of all woman. When the shelter opens he is sent out into the world to see how man kind has managed to survive, enter Eve (Alicia Silverstone) a streetwise, confident girl struggling to hold down a job and keep a decent boyfriend. With the help of Eve, Adam manages to taste the real world and they find themselves falling for each other in a big way.
All actors perform faultlessly in this feel good comedy. A joyous movie to watch. I recommend it highly.


Best film for years and years to come   March 7, 2004
Ian (Wales)
3 out of 4 found this review helpful

Blast from the past has a great storyline, great actors and a great script. Brendon Frasier plays the part of the innocent man emerging from a fallout shelter for the first time in his entire life. He plays the part with great accuracy and really makes the film what it is. With this and also with the supporting role from alicia silverstone helps to make this one of the best films of all time. Brilliance!!