If you’re one of the viewers who recently discovered 23 Blast on the Netflix top 10 movies chart, you might not be aware that its origins stem from a poignant and uplifting true story.
In 2014, Dylan Baker directed a sports movie that focuses on Travis Freeman (Mark Hapka), a high school football player who becomes blind after contracting a bacterial infection.
Despite facing a life-altering condition, Travis was able to overcome the challenges with the support of his friends, family, coach (Stephen Lang), and faith, and return to playing football.
The plot of 23 Blast, which is based on a true story, has captivated Netflix viewers since its release on the streaming platform. It is an inspiring tale that continues to resonate with fans.
The true story of Travis Freeman
In 1993, Travis Freeman, a talented high school football player from Corbin, Kentucky, was unexpectedly afflicted with Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis, an uncommon and highly fatal type of sinus infection.
This serious ailment caused the irreversible damage of his optic nerves, resulting in his permanent blindness at the age of 12.
Travis spoke to Fifteen Minutes With before the premiere of 23 Blast and shared that leading up to the event, he had been experiencing migraines. According to doctors, the migraines would eventually subside on their own, which they did after ten days. However, he then began experiencing pain in his left eye.
Upon waking up on Saturday, July 3, I noticed that my eye was still hurting and the swelling had worsened. This prompted me to return to the eye doctor, who then examined the back of my eye and discovered the infection.
“At the University of Kentucky hospital, I was immediately taken to the ER and various tests were conducted. During this time, my temperature rose and my head continued to swell.”
After being diagnosed with Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis, the doctors informed him that 70% of people with the same condition do not survive, and out of the remaining 30% who do, only a small percentage regain normal brain function.
“I was one of only two reported cases in the world where the infection solely targeted the eye. Within 48 hours, my flawless 20/20 vision deteriorated completely.”
Despite Travis’ initial reluctance to see his friends, his pal Jerry Baker (played by Bram Hoover in 23 Blast) visited his house and convinced him that his peers would still welcome him.
Regrettably, upon reaching high school, Jerry chose a divergent direction, becoming entangled in substance abuse and ultimately passing away from complications stemming from a roofing incident. “Thus, it remains a tale of two companions and their distinct coping mechanisms in the face of misfortune and challenges,”Travis further explained.
In addition, Coach Farris played a crucial role in Travis’ efforts to achieve his aspirations by devising a plan to get him back on the field. Travis recalled, “In August of 1994, I made my debut on the football field as the first blind player in America.”
When asked about his intentions for the film, Travis shared with the outlet, “My hope is for viewers to be motivated to conquer any challenges they encounter in life. I want them to recognize that having a disability does not mean being incapable.”
“We all face challenges and limitations in our lives, but we must remember that these obstacles are not impossible to overcome. My goal is to encourage and inspire others to realize that their circumstances do not have to define them, and they have the power to rise above any adversity.”
23 Blast: A New Life on Netflix
Since its debut on the streaming service in August 2024, 23 Blast has climbed to number 10 in the Netflix movies charts. Below, you can view the current ranking of the full list:
- Incoming
- Untold: Sign Stealer
- Migration
- The Union
- Untold: The Murder of Air McNair
- Logan Lucky
- The Emoji Movie
- Trolls Band Together
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie
- 23 Blast
Despite the movie’s initial release in 2014, where it only made around $550,000 against its estimated $1 million budget, it is still considered a remarkable achievement. However, it received a low critical reception, scoring only 36% on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer.
The Guardian’s two-star review of 23 Blast stated that the film seemed to be aimed towards an older audience with hearing impairments, who may not enjoy the loud and explicit movies of today. The film’s football field, while supposed to be rectangular, is instead portrayed as square.
Variety stated that the winner of the Heartland Film Festival, “23 Blast,”will most likely gain popularity among churchgoers upon its release on October 24, but may not reach a wider audience. The Los Angeles Times also commented that the film is mostly predictable and uninspiring.
Nevertheless, as we have repeatedly observed, a movie’s failure upon its initial release does not guarantee it will not be well-received by the streaming community, particularly on Netflix.
A new fan took to Twitter and tweeted, “Just watched #23Blast on Netflix. More of this, please. What a great story.”
One person suggested, “I just watched 23 Blast on Netflix and it’s definitely worth watching.”Another person chimed in, “If you haven’t seen it yet, definitely check out the amazing football movie 23 Blast.”A third person also recommended the movie, stating, “We should all watch 23 Blast, it’s a great film.”
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