Memorable, crazy movie

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Having recently seen the fourth chapter of the "Die Hard" series and being somewhat disappointed by it (because it felt more inspired by the James Bond movies rather than by its predecessors), I watched "Blast!" looking for a more genuine "Die Hard"-like experience - and indeed I got it! What's almost uncanny is how closely this 2004 straight-to-DVD movie resembles the 2007 blockbuster: a technology-heavy villainous plan, a hacker/nerd as the hero's sidekick, a female martial arts expert as the villain's right-hand woman, a kid (OK, not a 20-something daughter, but still....) that needs to be rescued, etc. However, unlike "DH 4", "Blast!" stays faithful to the formula of the first 2 "Die Hard" movies (trivia note: they were written by the same man, Steven De Souza), and keeps the action mostly confined to a single space (an oil rig). "Blast!"'s climax is also much better, with TWO simultaneous fights AND a race against time going on! Eddie Griffin is actually quite credible as an action hero, Vinnie Jones has his moments as the villain (when Griffin tells him what a disaster his actions will cause, he responds "if you look closely, you can see a tear forming under my eye" - that made me laugh out loud) and (unlike Timothy Olyphant) he can fight too, and Nadine Velazquez is awesome and sexy as his henchwoman - I hope her appearance in Jet Li's upcoming "War" helps her gain more recognition, she deserves it. Overall, I enjoyed "Blast!" more than "DH 4", more proof that bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. (**1/2)

As a connoisseur of bad movies this makes the list of bad of the bad. I had such HIGH hopes for this movie. I LOVE Vinnie Jones in his usual tough guy film (Lock Stock Two Smoking Barrels). He is a tough convincing actor in nearly everything he stars in. Even in X Men 3 he pulled off a brief good time as "Juggernaut". I don't see how he got stuck in this movie. And Eddie Griffin is a great comedic actor and was BRILLIANT in "Undercover Brother." Why he chose to star in this movie is a mystery as well.Both Vinnie Jones and Eddie Griffin are incredibly talented actors and always a joy to watch. But together in this movie they just don't make up for the horrible writing, tired plot, and terrible supporting actors. And as much as I like both of them, I just can't see these two starring in anything together that will be good without good writing and better direction.And come on Hollywood. The George Bush jabs are just old.

It feels like a recycling of all "die hard" movies combined with some segal flicks! of course they cant get away with that so they put in a kid.. This way they could add a family drama type background and an angsty fireman. All they needed more was a hint of sex.. Which they clumsily poured in at the end! The movie runs like a train! Which is undeniably good, the problem is the background. You shouldn't think too much, actually I advise against thinking at all. You need to accept a lot of facts. One of the harder ones is a fireman who in the end turns out to be a near superman! I also have to admit.. the whole plot really doesn't get me worried about who wins! I really didn't care enough! Or any of my friends.Its a nice no brainer, but don't spoil too much money on it!

I liked "Blast". You don't take an action film seriously with Eddie Griffin and Vinnie Jones. The plot is about Lamont Dixon (Griffin) who is an ex-fireman\tugboat captain. He is working on an oil rig at Christmas time when terrorists led by Michael Kittredge (Jones)hijack the crew. Kittredge has a electronic device that can destroy California. Now it's up to Dixon to save the day. Eddie Griffin was a pretty good action hero. Vivica A.Fox goes through the motions as the head FBI agent. Vinnie Jones plays the evil villain role well. No one should care that "Blast" is going direct-to-video. If you want an exciting and funny action\comedy, this is it.For more insanity, please visit: comeuppancereviews.com