23 BLAST {Movie Review & Giveaway--US & CANADA}

About the movie: As a typical teenager, Travis Freeman (Mark Hapka) is a local hero both on and off the high-school football field in his small Kentucky town, but in 1997, Travis contracts an infection that destroys his optic nerve and renders him blind overnight. With the loving help and concern of his parents, physical therapist, coach and best friend, Travis demonstrates what true bravery is: He continues to compete on the gridiron and helps his team advance to the state finals.

Review: When my husband first asked me to watch the movie "23 Blast"  with him,  I thought, "great, another low budget film!" But boy, was I wrong this time! The movie is loosely based on the life of Travis Freeman and includes the struggles of youth and disabilities during the teenage years.  As a promising high school quarterback, Travis Freeman,  suddenly becomes blind right before his senior year! (In reality, Travis Freeman became blind around the age of 12 years). The movie portrays Travis' battle with depression and his struggle to overcome his disability and the desire to continue to play football.

Being a nurse, I am naturally over-critical of movies that include hospital and medical scenes, and this one was no different. A few of the medical scenes were slightly inaccurate, but overall, they were believable!

One of Travis' childhood friends, Jerry Baker, is also portrayed during the story. Jerry, along with his coach, Mr Farris, encourage Travis to keep trying and not to give up. They help him believe in himself again. The story line also reveals the need and importance for team work. The movie also demonstrates the different paths of two teenage boys: Travis turns to his faith in God, while Jerry turns to drugs and alcohol. The movie does include scenes of teenage drinking (involving Jerry) and includes one curse word.

Overall, I recommend this movie for family entertainment for mid-teens and up. I think it would be a good opportunity to discuss the teen pressures of drinking and the need to say "no" to drugs and alcohol and to discuss the importance of Faith.  Travis chooses to go on to college and earns a PhD in the ministry.  In the end, some of the real folks portrayed in the movie are shown. The movie is dedicated to Jerry Baker. (Guest Mary P.G.)

GIVEAWAY:  A copy is reserved for one of Chat With Vera's readers. Enter below -Begins February 4 & ENDS February 12 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to USA & CANADA addresses only. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”
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"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post."