Blast from the Past (1999)

A feel good flick!
I owned this in the VHS format, and was thrilled to purchase it when it came out on DVD. It is among my favorites, I watch it over and over. I like movies without tons of foul language, and obvious sex. It is cute and simple, and leaves you with a good feeling - something that too many movies today don't do. If you are looking for an elaborate plot, lots of bells and whistles, this one is not for you. It is more of a chick flick, than a guys film.

A fun what if
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.

[[ASIN:6305433925 Encino Man DVD ~ Sean Astin ]]

fun premise poorly executed
The premise of this movie was interesting, but instead of exploring the many comedic possibilities of a stuck-in-the-50's family navigating the 1990's (and the potentially rich sub-plot of the archbishop and the cult that developed around the elevator) it languished in the tired old formula of feisty girl meets boy, girl plays hard to get because she can't understand it was love at first sight and HE'S the man she's waited for all along, yawn yawn yawn. And Alicia Silverstone...somebody please get that girl some acting lessons!

Watched this one only because I had the flu and was too tired to do much else. Besides, it was on TV so it didn't cost me anything except my time.