"He's still such a baby... He's a man... He's a baby man!" (Blast from the Past, 1999)

Movie: Blast from the Past

Rating: PG-13

Release Year: 1999

Notable Cast: Brendan Fraser, Alicia Silverstone, Christopher Walken, Sissy Spacek

Stars: 2.5

Review: Such a fun movie! This is one of those times when I muse about having a second rating, in addition to "stars"-- while this movie is only 2.5 stars on a 'quality' scale, it is about 3.5 stars on a 'likability' scale. It's an interesting premise-- a 35 year-old man ventures above ground after being in a nuclear fallout shelter his entire life (including some of his fetal life!). The world he sees is in enormous contrast to his parents' world. What results is a number of comical experiences, from public transport to dating etiquette. Casting is hit-or-miss. Brendan Fraser (Adam) performs well as the naive, old-fashioned protagonist, but Alicia Silverstone (Eve) is a bit melodramatic, unbelievable, and unlikable for the majority of the movie. Great supporting cast in Christopher Walken as the dad, Sissy Spacek as the mom, and Dave Foley as Silverstone's friend. One highlight of this movie for me was the fallout shelter! WOW. It was pretty cool / quietly funny in how complete it was, as designed by Adam's eccentric father.

Additionally, while this movie stays pretty light, there is a hint of social commentary in the script as to just how much "progress" had been made from the 1950s-1960s to the current time (~2000) (e.g., dissolution of the quintessential family unit, prevalence of substance abuse, relative decrease in work ethic). It's interesting food for thought. Also, commendably, it is not food that is shoved down your throat.

Definitely recommend seeing this movie-- 3.5 for likability!

Good date movie? Yup!