Blown Away (1994)

Blown Away (1994) Movie Review: A Riveting Thriller with Explosive Suspense

Released in 1994, Blown Away is a thrilling action-packed film directed by Stephen Hopkins. Starring Jeff Bridges, Tommy Lee Jones, and Forest Whitaker, the film centers on a Boston bomb squad member racing against time to stop a vengeful bomber from unleashing chaos on the city. With its blend of suspense, drama, and intense action sequences, Blown Away is a quintessential ’90s thriller that still holds its ground among action film aficionados.

In this article, we’ll delve into a detailed review of Blown Away, analyze its strengths and weaknesses, and explore where you can stream, rent, or purchase this explosive thriller online in the U.S.

Plot Summary of Blown Away (1994)

Blown Away follows Jimmy Dove (Jeff Bridges), a skilled bomb squad officer in Boston who’s looking to retire from the dangerous profession. But when an old enemy from his past, Ryan Gaerity (Tommy Lee Jones), resurfaces with a vendetta, Jimmy is pulled back into the game. Gaerity, an Irish terrorist with a history linked to Jimmy’s past, starts planting bombs around the city, forcing Jimmy to confront not only his enemy but also his own internal demons.

The movie weaves a gripping cat-and-mouse game as Jimmy attempts to outsmart Gaerity while the stakes get higher with each explosive device. Gaerity’s bombs are intricately designed, with each detonation scene offering viewers a nail-biting experience. Blown Away delivers a mix of high-octane action, suspense, and personal drama, as Jimmy wrestles with his past guilt and future aspirations.

The Cast: Stellar Performances Driving the Tension

One of the major highlights of Blown Away is its star-studded cast, with performances that elevate the film’s tension and drama.

• Jeff Bridges as Jimmy Dove brings a level of depth to the character. His portrayal of a man haunted by his past and desperate to save the lives of others gives the film a personal edge.
• Tommy Lee Jones as Ryan Gaerity is menacing and terrifying. Jones excels at playing the villain, delivering a performance that is equal parts charismatic and unnerving.
• Forest Whitaker as Anthony Franklin, a fellow bomb squad technician, adds a more grounded perspective to the story, with his character serving as both a professional rival and reluctant ally to Jimmy.

The interplay between Bridges and Jones is where the movie truly shines. Their on-screen chemistry as hero and villain feels natural, contributing to the film’s suspense.

Special Effects and Cinematography: Explosive Action

Given the nature of the story, the special effects and bomb scenes in Blown Away are key to the film’s success. The explosions are intense and realistic, and the movie does a great job of keeping viewers on edge throughout the bomb-defusing scenes.

Cinematographer Peter Levy creates an atmosphere of tension through tight shots and dynamic camera movements. The urban setting of Boston serves as an effective backdrop, with the city’s architecture playing a crucial role in the film’s visual appeal. The film’s climactic scenes, set against iconic Boston landmarks, add another layer of authenticity and scale to the action sequences.

Strengths and Weaknesses: A Mixed Bag of Action and Drama

While Blown Away excels in many areas, it is not without its flaws.

Strengths:

1. Strong Performances: The acting, particularly by Jeff Bridges and Tommy Lee Jones, is top-notch and elevates the film beyond just an action flick.
2. Tense Action Sequences: The bomb defusing scenes are expertly crafted, with enough suspense to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
3. Engaging Villain: Jones’ portrayal of a vengeful terrorist is compelling, giving the film a more personal conflict between protagonist and antagonist.

Weaknesses:

1. Predictable Plot: While the movie offers moments of intense action, the storyline itself can feel formulaic. The revenge-driven villain trope is something audiences have seen before.
2. Dated Special Effects: Although the special effects were impressive for the time, some aspects of the film may feel slightly outdated when compared to modern thrillers.

Where to Watch Blown Away Online: Streaming and Rental Services

If you’re in the mood for a high-stakes thriller and want to experience Blown Away, there are several options to stream, rent, or purchase the film online, particularly in the United States. Here’s a guide on where to find it:

Streaming Services:

1. Hulu – Currently available with a Hulu subscription, Blown Away can be streamed as part of their catalog of action films. This service provides a good option for those already subscribed to Hulu’s wide array of content.
2. Amazon Prime Video – While not included in the Prime membership for free, Blown Away is available to stream with a rental or purchase option through Amazon.
3. Max (formerly HBO Max) – Another popular platform where Blown Away can sometimes be found for streaming, though it may vary depending on their licensing agreements.

Rental and Purchase Options:

1. Apple TV – Blown Away is available for both rent and purchase on Apple’s streaming platform. Renting offers a 30-day viewing window, making it a flexible option for those who want to watch the movie at their leisure.
2. Google Play Movies & TV – The movie is available for rent or purchase through Google Play, which offers a range of resolution options, including HD.
3. Vudu – Another popular service where you can either rent or buy Blown Away is Vudu. The platform often provides competitive pricing for renting and buying films.

DVD/Blu-ray Purchase:

For those who prefer physical media, Blown Away is also available on DVD and Blu-ray through major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

Final Verdict: A Tense Action Thriller for the Ages

Blown Away may not be the most groundbreaking thriller, but it remains an entertaining and suspenseful film that delivers plenty of action. The strong performances from its cast, particularly Tommy Lee Jones as the unhinged villain, and the expertly executed bomb-defusing scenes make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre. Despite a somewhat predictable plot and a few dated effects, the movie’s gripping suspense and intense action sequences more than make up for it.

For those who enjoy high-stakes thrillers with personal stakes, Blown Away is an explosive ride worth revisiting. Make sure to check out the available streaming services mentioned above and experience the tension for yourself!