23 Blast

Before I'm called heartless, let me just put out there how I have worked with kids with disabilities. So I understand the need for this type of genre, but I feel like this perpetuates this myth that persons with disabilities are perfect people who don't have sex drives, are super religious/self-righteous, and should always be right.

This is wrong. There are many types of truths that give people peace; it makes me sad that the movies who are courageous enough to handle tough topics like theodicy (religious Christian concept: why do bad things happen to good people?) never seem to develop more complex characters.

The only character struggles spiritually is Travis's best friend from school. His perspective is tossed aside as misguided; he's painted as a goof and mess-up while he is clearly suffering spiritually. Travis's "spiritual struggle" doesn't feel like much of a struggle at all. In fact, he's put on this pedestal. ("I am Travis Freeman.")

Aside from my philosophical issues with this movie, the dialogue was laughably bad.

"Why am I blind, dad?" "Too much infection."

"You're blind, son." "Is this going to last forever?"

"Travis has a minor infection we are treating with antibiotics." *(Five seconds pass)* "Travis is going in for surgery, now. He's running a 106 degree fever."

The only character I liked was the social worker; my two stars are for her. She wasn't preachy and prioritized him taking control over his health as opposed to "finding Jesus."

My other star is when Travis' friend takes him for a spin in the hospital; I really enjoyed that part. I feel like that scene encapsulated the little joys we appreciate when disability and serious life suffering enter our lives and the lives of those we love.