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23 Blast

Name: 23 Blast
Director: Dylan Baker
Released: 2014
Duration: 98 min

Representation Score

4.9/10

Fair

2014

PG-13

Director

Dylan Baker

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

23 Blast succeeds as a layered drama by placing a Black protagonist at the center of a story about physical impairment. It avoids portraying disability as a simple plot device, instead focusing on the character's active role and psychological reality. However, the film stays within conventional boundaries, avoiding challenges to traditional gender hierarchies or critiques of social institutions.

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Category Breakdown

Does 23 Blast have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or storylines, focusing instead on traditional interpersonal relationships.

How does 23 Blast portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around male-centric themes such as mentorship and sports. Female characters have limited roles and do not drive the plot significantly.

How racially and ethnically diverse is 23 Blast?

Good

The film features a predominantly Black cast, providing meaningful representation. It centers on a Black athlete, avoiding the common cliché of sidelining minority characters.

How does 23 Blast represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story follows a conventional path emphasizing community and perseverance. It maintains a standard structure that respects traditional social cohesion.

Does 23 Blast include disability representation?

Excellent

The film highlights a blind protagonist's active role and psychological complexity, avoiding the common trap of using disability as a simplistic plot device.

Present on Screen

Combines racial identity with physical disability for a layered perspective.
Focuses on the protagonist's active role and psychological reality, avoiding 'inspiration porn'.
Centers a Black protagonist, challenging Hollywood's tendency to sideline minority characters.

Limited or Absent

Does not include LGBTQ+ characters or storylines.
Does not provide significant roles or subversion for female characters.
Maintains conventional clichés without critiquing social institutions.

Official Synopsis

When a high school football star is suddenly stricken with irreversible total blindness, he must decide whether to live a safe handicapped life or bravely return to the life he once knew and the sport he still loves.

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