Blast

"Blast" is a dynamic and thrilling 1997 action film that captivates audiences from the first moment with its innovative story, high-energy performances, and striking visuals. The film highlights the talent of actors Linden Ashby, Andrew Divoff, and Kimberly Warren, who bring the intense plot to life on the big screen with compelling expressions of drama, suspense, and emotion.

The film unfolds around Jack Bryant, played by actor Linden Ashby, who is an ex-marine now turned gymnastics coach leading a humble life. This charismatic character exhibits exceptional gymnastics ability and is loved by his girls' gymnastics team. Ashby masterfully portrays Bryant, lending him believability and an engaging blend of taciturn resilience and rugged charm. Despite his commitment to a peaceful life, Bryant's former marine training springs back to the fore when he finds himself enmeshed in an unexpected dangerous situation.

Andrew Divoff plays an elegant yet dangerous criminal mastermind who carries out a sinister plot. Divoff's character, Omodo, and his henchmen take over Atlanta's largest Olympic games facility during a major gymnastics competition. With the facility’s staff and the gymnastic team held hostage during the televised event, he demands a crippling ransom to halt an unimaginable event. Divoff delivers an effective performance, convincingly embodying the cold and calculating nature of his character.

Filling out the main cast, Kimberly Warren portrays Jenny, one of the gymnasts on Bryant’s team who demonstrates remarkable courage and resourcefulness in the tense standoff. Warren adds heart and real humanity to the film with her moving performance, standing as a beacon of hope amidst the chaos and danger.

"Blast" is more than just an action film. It adeptly blends elements of the sports drama and crime thriller genres. It’s not purely about gun fights and hand-to-hand combat, though there is plenty of that. Underlying the runaway stakes and adrenaline is a human story about bravery, survival, and the will to protect those one cares for.

"Blast" is also a film defined by its setting. The movie takes advantage of the Olympic facilities, incorporating the unique architecture and features into its action sequences. The film uses this backdrop to stage several gripping scenes where Ashby's character utilizes his gymnastic skills to outmaneuver his adversaries.

Director Albert Pyun is known for his fast-paced and visually stimulating action films, and "Blast" is no exception. Pyun successful delivers an action-packed film with the right blend of stunts, tension, and character development, ensuring that "Blast" appeals to fans of pure adrenaline-fueled action, sophisticated plotting, and emotionally layered storytelling alike.

The screenplay by Hannah Blue and Kevin Bernhardt creates an atmosphere teeming with fear and suspense, while also incorporating moments of humor to relieve tension. They use their plot to challenge their characters mentally and physically, often simultaneously, creating multidimensional characters who stand up under pressure.

The cinematography is designed to amplify the sense of intensity and claustrophobia, making good use of the film’s setting. The production team’s resourcefulness turns the gymnastics facility into a surprising battlefield, lending the movie a unique flavor distinct from many of its genre contemporaries.

The stunts and choreography in the film are a notable highlight. Combining intricate gymnastics routines with climactic action sequences add an element of surprise and suspense. Jack Bryant’s agility and flexibility as a gymnast leverage effectively in the combat against Omodo's army, opening up unconventional fight sequences that further elevate the movie's entertainment quotient.

"Blast" is an action film worth watching for its engaging plot, unique blend of sports and action genres, solid performances, and cleverly orchestrated fight sequences. Its successful fusion of tension, humor, and character dynamics makes for a truly gripping cinematic experience. It's the kind of movie that will keep viewers on the edge of their seat right from the very beginning. It’s a true blast from the 90s that brings a refreshing twist to the action genre.