Poster for Blast from the Past

Blast from the Past (1999) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Following a bomb scare in the 1960s that locked the Webers into their bomb shelter for 35 years, Adam now ventures forth into Los Angeles to obtain food and supplies for his family, and a non-mutant wife for himself.

Rated PG-13 • 1999 • 1h 52m

6.8
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Age
13+

In the romantic comedy "Blast from the Past," a naive man named Adam Webber emerges from his family's fallout shelter after 35 years and must navigate the strange new world of 1990s Los Angeles. The film earns its PG-13 rating primarily for its language, which includes one use of the f-word, and for consistent sexual innuendo and suggestive conversations. Parents should also be aware of themes of alcoholism and references to drug use… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Brendan Fraser
Brendan Fraser
Alicia Silverstone
Alicia Silverstone
Christopher Walken
Christopher Walken
Sissy Spacek
Sissy Spacek
Dave Foley
Dave Foley
Joey Slotnick
Joey Slotnick
Rex Linn
Rex Linn
Deborah Kellner
Deborah Kellner
Nathan Fillion
Nathan Fillion
Jenifer Lewis
Jenifer Lewis
CM
Cynthia Mace
Don Yesso
Don Yesso
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Is Blast from the Past appropriate for kids?

In the romantic comedy "Blast from the Past," a naive man named Adam Webber emerges from his family's fallout shelter after 35 years and must navigate the strange new world of 1990s Los Angeles. The film earns its PG-13 rating primarily for its language, which includes one use… Read more — free account

Content severity in Blast from the Past

Sex Strong 5/10
Violence Strong 5/10
Language Strong 7/10
Substances Moderate 4/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Blast from the Past, moment by moment

  1. 0:04 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
  2. 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
  3. 0:18 🍷 Substances 4/10
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Sex and nudity in Blast from the Past

Contains moderate sexual innuendo and suggestive dialogue. Characters discuss "getting laid," and one character yells at another about having "unsafe sex." A woman attempts to seduce a man in his hotel room, and another scene briefly takes place in an adult bookstore where magazine covers with scantily clad women are visible in the background, though no nudity is shown. There are several romantic kisses.

Violence and gore in Blast from the Past

Violence is infrequent and very light. The opening scene features a jet crashing into a house, causing a large, fiery explosion, but no one is injured. In a later scene, a man uses boxing skills to punch another man three times in self-defense during a confrontation at a nightclub; the fight is brief and played for comedic effect with no injuries shown.

Language in Blast from the Past

The film contains one prominent use of "fucking" during an angry outburst. Other instances of profanity are used throughout, including multiple uses of "shit," "bitch," "son of a bitch," "goddamn," and "dickhead." The language is a primary reason for the PG-13 rating.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Blast from the Past

A main character develops a drinking habit out of boredom while in the shelter, at one point drinking cooking liquor. Her son is later asked to buy supplies from a liquor store. Other characters drink socially in bars and nightclubs. There are also brief but direct references to support groups like Cocaine Anonymous and Heroin Anonymous.

Mature themes in Blast from the Past

The film is based on Cold War-era fears of nuclear annihilation, which forces a family into decades of isolation. It explores themes of extreme culture shock and paranoia. In a key sequence, a main character is mistaken for being mentally ill due to his unusual story and is almost involuntarily committed by a friend who is trying to help him.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Blast from the Past appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Blast from the Past is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. In the romantic comedy "Blast from the Past," a naive man named Adam Webber emerges from his family's fallout shelter after 35 years and must navigate the strange new world of 1990s Los Angeles. The film earns its PG-13…

What age rating does Blast from the Past have?

Blast from the Past is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Blast from the Past about?

In the romantic comedy "Blast from the Past," a naive man named Adam Webber emerges from his family's fallout shelter after 35 years and must navigate the strange new world of 1990s Los Angeles. The film earns its PG-13 rating primarily for its language, which includes one use of the f-word, and for consistent sexual…

Is there sex or nudity in Blast from the Past?

Contains moderate sexual innuendo and suggestive dialogue. Characters discuss "getting laid," and one character yells at another about having "unsafe sex." A woman attempts to seduce a man in his hotel room, and another scene briefly takes place in an adult…

How violent is Blast from the Past?

Violence is infrequent and very light. The opening scene features a jet crashing into a house, causing a large, fiery explosion, but no one is injured. In a later scene, a man uses boxing skills to punch another man three times in self-defense during a…

Is the language in Blast from the Past appropriate for kids?

The film contains one prominent use of "fucking" during an angry outburst. Other instances of profanity are used throughout, including multiple uses of "shit," "bitch," "son of a bitch," "goddamn," and "dickhead." The language is a primary reason for the…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Blast from the Past?

A main character develops a drinking habit out of boredom while in the shelter, at one point drinking cooking liquor. Her son is later asked to buy supplies from a liquor store. Other characters drink socially in bars and nightclubs. There are also brief but…

What mature themes appear in Blast from the Past?

The film is based on Cold War-era fears of nuclear annihilation, which forces a family into decades of isolation. It explores themes of extreme culture shock and paranoia. In a key sequence, a main character is mistaken for being mentally ill due to his…

How long is Blast from the Past?

Blast from the Past runs 112 minutes, directed by Hugh Wilson, released in 1999.

Where can I read the full Blast from the Past parent guide?

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