23 BLAST
SCORES TOUCHDOWN WITH MOVIEGOERS ACROSS THE NATION, MAINTAINING A 4.5/5 AUDIENCE RATING ON FANDANGO
Critics state the film is a “A Triumph…a Veritable ‘Blind
Side’…Exhilarating…Engaging and Heartfelt…Inspiring…Entertaining, Funny and Poignant”
23 Blast audiences connect with uplifting and inspirational story of first blind football player Travis Freeman,
who will be “Beating the Drum” at Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints NFL game Thurs., Oct. 30 (live on the NFL Network)
Film Launch Brought Packed Houses to New York City & Lexington “Homecoming” Charity-Driven Premieres
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (October 27, 2014) – 23 Blast, which opened on October 24, across the United States, garnered enthusiastic reactions from moviegoers this past weekend. The 2013 Heartland Film Festival Audience Choice Award Winner is this weekend’s feel-good, inspirational family film about Travis Freeman, the first blind football player. For more information and theater listings visit: www.23blast.com.
“If there is one film you see between now and the end of the year, go see 23 Blast!”
-Governor Mike Huckabee
Ocean Avenue Entertainment’s Chris Bueno commented, “our mission through 23 Blast is to bring this amazing story of the first blind football player to audiences across the country, to inspire, uplift and entertain. We thank all of our partners like KLOVE, Air1, Casting Crowns and Tony Dungy for helping spread the word about this amazing overcoming story. I encourage everyone to go out and see the film this week!”
“23 Blast is a powerful movie about football and perseverance. If you’re looking for an inspiring movie that the whole family can enjoy, go see this film!”
-Tony Dungy, Super Bowl Winning Coach & All Pro Dad National Spokesman
“A veritable Blind Side, the inspirational sports drama 23 Blast tells the true story of Travis Freeman…
versatile actor Dylan Baker makes an assured directorial debut, drawing spirited performances from his seasoned cast.”
-Michael Rechtshaffen, Film Journal
Below please find what the critics are saying across the country:
“…23 Blast tells remarkable story of blind high school player.”
–USA Today headline
“…fine for youth groups and football-loving tweens looking for a tale of courage and determination.”
– Sandie Angulo Chen, The Washington Post
“23 Blast Might Be the Best of This Year’s True-Story High School Christian Football Dramas”
–Village Voice review headline
“A story of courage, faith, friendship and the will to overcome that will leave audiences inspired long after they’ve left the theater.”
–Jessica Toomer, Guideposts
“A triumph! Exhilarating, wise and genuinely heartfelt! It will make you stand up and cheer! Perfect entertainment for the whole family!”
– Avi Offer, the NYC Movie Guru
“Teen’s tragedy in a Finely Sketched Small Town”
- San Francisco Chronicle review headline
5 out of 5 Doves (for people 12+)
–The Dove Foundation
“23 Blast is inspiration incarnated. [It] is the kind of football flick that transcends the game, exciting and encouraging all audiences.”
- Joseph J. Airdo, San Francisco Examiner
“Highly recommended. 23 Blast is one of the most engaging and heartfelt I have seen in some time. The entire cast is at the top of their game.”
–James McDonald, RedCarpetCrash.com
“23 Blast is extremely entertaining and inspiring. Tightly written and directed, the movie charms viewers through funny moments and intriguing characters.”
–Ted Baehr, Movieguide
“23 Blast is entertaining, funny and poignant…”
–Jacob Sahms, Hollywood Jesus
“Heartwarming!”
–Matt Mungle, The Mungle Show
“An inspirational tale that never becomes sugary or preachy.”
–Nell Minow, Movie Mom, Beliefnet
Cast and crew greeted fans, VIP guests and press on the red carpet in New York City and Lexington last week. The NYC world premiere drew support and attendance from stars and sports figures, including New York Jet’s wide receiver David Nelson, former Dallas Cowboys & NY Jets fullback Tony Richardson as well as actors such as Josh Charles, David Hyde Pierce, Victor Garber and Richard Kind.
Returning to its roots, 23 Blast also hosted a special benefit “Kentucky Homecoming Premiere” at Lexington’s historic Kentucky Theater. Locals packed the house as more than 700 attendees eagerly watched the film and cheered for their hometown hero Travis Freeman, including one of Freeman’s biggest fans, Mark Stoops (head coach of University of Kentucky Wildcats). Ticket proceeds for the Lexington event benefited VIPS (Visually Impaired Preschool Services).
Support continues this week with mainstream, sports and faith-based media campaigns as well as grassroots initiatives targeting football, including Travis Freeman “Beating the Drum” during the Carolina Panthers game against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night, October 30 (live on the NFL Network).
For more information on 23 Blast or to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Google and YouTube, please go to www.23Blast.com.
To find a theatre or order tickets, please go to http://23blast.com/theaters/ or direct to http://www.fandango.com/23blast_177007/movieoverview
Ocean Avenue Entertainment, Inc.
Launched in January 2009, Ocean Avenue Entertainment, Inc. is the destination for productions that offer hope to audiences looking for inspiration in entertainment. It is committed to releasing films and television programming that are inspiring and redemptive. For more information, please visit www.oceanave.tv.