We’re doing something a little different this summer for #WayBackWednesday! I asked the Fangirlish staff to tell me their favorite summer flicks–films they associate with summer, be that a film set in the summer, a film that was released in the summer, or a movie they spent a summer watching. Each writer will tell you why they chose their movie and I’ll be reviewing their film recommendations during June, July, and August. This is our Summer Vacation series! Pour yourself a glass of Kool-Aid, make some ramen, and find out how we spent our summer vacations each #WayBackWednesday.
Blast from the Past is a movie that I remember seeing trailers for as a kid, but actually never watched until a few months ago. Brendan Fraser and Alicia Silverstone were two of the hottest commodities in the late 90s and early 00s, and at the time, it really felt like they were everywhere. Did you catch this sweet rom-com back in the day? Check out the trailer for Blast from the Past and we’ll find out why Jasmine thinks this is a great summer flick for #WayBackWednesday.
Dealer’s Choice
Here’s why Jasmine loves to watch Blast from the Past when summertime hits.
“Blast from the Past has always been a favorite of mine. The reason I chose it as a summer film is because that was the first time I saw it. I remember it being on TV one summer and because it had two actors I liked, Brendan Fraser and Alicia Silverstone, I gave it a watch. Brendan was so endearing as Adam and he just made me smile because he was so sweet and he saw the world in a completely different way. I liked the chemistry between him and Alicia’s character, Eve.”
Synopsis
After spending his first 35 years in a fallout shelter, due to his parents thinking a nuclear holocaust has taken out the United States, Adam emerges to the surface to obtain food and supplies for his family. When he meets Eve and begins to learn that perhaps the world didn’t come to an end, Adam has a choice to make–joining the real world or retreating into the safety of the only world he’s ever known. Blast from the Past stars Brendan Fraser, Alicia Silverstone, Christopher Walken, and Sissy Spacek. The film is directed and produced by Hugh Wilson. Renny Harlin and Mary Kane also served as producers on the film.
I think there’s a lot to enjoy about Blast from the Past. Here are some things I think are worth noting about the film.
Great Humor
One of the things that surprised me about Blast from the Past is just how funny it is. I anticipated some humor, as it is a comedy, but I was not expecting to full-on “Heehaw” laugh throughout the entire film. The line where Eve says, “Adam! She’s got ‘bitch’ written all over her. You do know what ‘bitch’ means, don’t you?” and Adam responds, “Well, well, yes, I do. I do have a dictionary. But I can’t understand for the life of me why you would say that about her. Or why Cliff would say that about you!” about put me in the floor. Adam explaining to his father about the true circumstances surrounding the fall of the Soviet Union really cracked me up. That whole conversation is delivered expertly by Brendan Fraser and Christopher Walken.
Aside from the witty dialogue, Sissy Spacek as Adam’s mother, Helen, is a real standout for me. Spacek is just a fantastic actress from the word go, but her humor isn’t necessarily just in the dialogue, but her body language. Helen is a little bit cowed by her eccentric husband, Calvin, but it’s clear that 35 years beneath the surface with him has put him on her last nerve. Watch her physical performance for some real laughs in this film. If you could use a good laugh this summer, Blast from the Past is a great place to start.
Great Cast
I’ve already talked a little bit about how much I enjoy Sissy Spacek in this film, but there are a lot of great performances in addition to hers. Brendan Fraser, who is a certified cinnamon roll as far as I’m concerned, is hysterical and the way he portrays Adam’s innocence would come across as insincere from just about anyone else. He is charmingly naive and it works. Christopher Walken’s ability to play over-the-top characters so well shines in this role as Adam’s father, Calvin. Alicia Silverstone’s cynicism as Eve is a great balance to Adam’s sincere naiveté. It’s quite fun to watch these characters play off of each other. If you love a good ensemble cast, you should really take a look at Blast from the Past.
Nostalgia Factor
Half the reason I started the #WayBackWednesday column is that I’m a certified nostalgia addict. And while I tend to be nostalgic for geek culture from the 70s and 80s, the retro 60s look of everything in the fallout shelter is so fun to take in. I love the vintage furniture, kitchen, and style of the film. For an added layer of nostalgia, watching Blast from the Past now 22 years after its release leaves me with a little bit of longing for the 90s. If you’re a retrophile like me, you’ll enjoy Blast from the Past on a couple of different retro levels.
Thanks very much to Jasmine for recommending Blast from the Past for this week’s #WayBackWednesday summer vacation flick. Lately, Jasmine’s been covering Roswell, New Mexico, everything that Halsey’s been up to, the After graphic novels, and in her most recent entry to her A-Z Movie Reviews column, she takes another look at The Boy Next Door. Jasmine is one of Fangirlish’s most prolific writers, so be sure to check out her work. There’s a good chance you can find something you like.
Blast from the Past is streaming now on Hulu.
