Blast (1997)

After using all of the 'transport' settings to rip off DIE HARD (a bus for SPEED, a plane for PASSENGER 57, a boat for UNDER SIEGE), the makers of this film were forced to resort to a generic building with lots of gloomy twisting passages and a labyrinthine basement as the setting for this lame, wannabe thriller. Not that it matters, as they obviously didn't have the budget to use any effective scenery anyway. What we're left with is a series of pale blue corridors, all exactly the same in appearance, with nothing to characterise them - no plants, no posters, nothing, just endless identical rooms.With nothing in the way of scenery, we're left to concentrate on the actors on screen. Unfortunately, there is little in the way of acting in this film, especially from leaden 'star' Linden Ashby, who hobbles around and occasionally kills people in bloodless ways. Let's face it, Ashby is no Bruce Willis and his attempts to act are frankly pathetic. He's just another guy brought up from television who can't make it in the real world of films. The only character to really emphasise with is Andrew Divoff (WISHMASTER) as the lead terrorist, who at least brings a little character to his role as the charismatic bad guy. Along with these two are Rutger Hauer (THE HITCHER) in a new career low in a wheelchair with braided hair, and dependable Tim Thomerson (DOLLMAN) as a lawman.The situations are nothing new in this film, and were done a hundred times better in the DIE HARD trilogy. The pacing is non-existent, with one action scene lasting for ten seconds, while the surrounding elements like people walking around last for at least ten minutes. The action scenes themselves are nothing to get worked up about, and are over far too quickly with not enough violence, with only a single leg breaking scene, which in itself is worthy of a Seagal movie. The only thing I liked was the way in which Ashby got gradually more and more injured as the film went on, a bit like good old Brucie.

There isn't much to be said about this movie. Certainly nothing to add after all these comments. I wouldn't even consider bothering unless I've found a strange bonus.That bonus is music score. This movie caught me as background curtain while writing some data on my machine. Momentarily I've detected excellent score from Anthony Riparetti.Never even heard about this composer. Indeed movie offers nothing unseen in this genre. But Riparetti done his homework. And homework made with great aplomb. From the first sequence to the end, he follows, communicates and captures visual essence with superb dynamic of his music. It compliments every scene. No, he doesn't offer profiled theme like Mancina offered in Speed. But, it clearly shows that he is one capable composer, at least for this genre - for this be the first score I've ever heard from him.In fact, I was sure there has to be some score/soundtrack available from this movie. Alas, no such luck. Low profile movie and it would be miracle to actually generate even one single available track.Anyway, if you would like to learn how to superbly dosage electronic music in any action movie, this is the movie for you. Forget the story, ego-trips that such genre generates all the time. For sake of music, do watch it, you wont be disappointed in this department. Guaranteed!It is a great irony for such prosaic movie to own such a fantastic score. This score would superbly compliment some A class action movie. But, life supplies such ironies all the time I'm afraid.

STAR RATING:*****Unmissable****Very Good***Okay**You Could Go Out For A Meal Instead*Avoid At All CostsAs soon as I had started watching the film and saw the opening credits roll,a banner come up indicating that this was A FILM BY ALBERT PYUN and alarm bells started ringing in my head.Worse yet,it didn't take itself long to assert itself as A FILM BY ALBERT PYUN.All of ol' Alberto's defining touches are there from the off-set:the weary looking production values,the hazily-handled filming style,the sloppy editing,not to mention deficets with the script and dialogue.DTV favourite Rutger Hauer is on hand,headbilled as the leading man,but not featured until about half an hour into the film.The virtually none-existent action scenes do little to help matters.Oh,the story?What could have happened had the FBI not averted a terrorist attack at the Montreal olympics.But although it even brags as being about this at the beginning of the film,it's conveyed in such an unbelievable way,you couldn't possibly believe it.It's unbelievably uninteresting as well,so it should really be avoided on all counts,shouldn't it?*

A tired 'movie poster' style summary I know but this movie truly is a hoot. I remember seeing this movie on TV last year sometime and I don't think I've laughed so much in my life.The movie starts with a disclaimer firstly telling us that it's based on a true story. And then letting us down with 'This is what MIGHT have happened'.The protagonist is a former swimmer who is demoted to janitor after injury. His ex-wife the team captain who is held hostage.I can't remember why terrorists hold a swim team hostage but that's beside the point. Rutger 'Show me the money' Hauer backs up the comment that Blade Runner was a one off by playing a crippled Red Indian Bomb expert who has some kind of tie with the leading baddie, they were at 'The Academy' together or something.This movie is playing on the tired 'Die Hard' formula that 'Under Siege' proved has had it's day.The set is silly, the plot is silly, the acting is silly. Please note this is not a good silly, like Monty Python or anything. In fact one of the (many, many) problems with this movie is that it takes it's self so seriously.If you can, watch this move and you can see for yourself.