Name: Blasted
Genre: Science Fiction, Comedy, Action
Released: 2022-06-28T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Axel Bøyum, Mathias Luppichini, Fredrik Skogsrud, Eirik Hallert, André Sørum

The opening scene of Martin Sofiedal’s Blasted is a mess: a bachelor party derailed by petty squabbles and laser-tag bravado. It’s a far cry from the intense, unrelenting drama of Sarah Kane’s play of the same name, but then again, this film is content to be something else entirely—a genre mashup that stumbles more often than it strides.

Sofiedal’s Blasted follows Sebastian (Axel Bøyum) and his childhood friends as they reunite for a bachelor party. The tension between them is palpable, but instead of delving into meaningful conflict or character development, the film leans heavily on broad comedy and action tropes. When an alien invasion abruptly forces these former laser-tag rivals to team up, the shift in tone feels jarring rather than exhilarating.

The film’s premise—childhood friends reuniting for a bachelor party only to face an alien invasion—has potential. It sets up a scenario ripe for both comedic and dramatic exploration. However, Blasted struggles to find its footing. The comedy feels forced and often falls flat, relying on tired gags and one-dimensional characters. The action sequences, though predictable, are executed with enough energy to keep the pace moving. The film also benefits from Ingrid Bolsø Berdal’s scene-stealing presence as Hjørdis, who brings a grounded intensity to an otherwise chaotic ensemble.

What works here are the occasional moments of genuine camaraderie among the cast. Axel Bøyum and Fredrik Skogsrud share a chemistry that hints at a deeper friendship beneath the surface-level bickering. Their dynamic is the film’s strongest asset, offering glimpses of the emotional core that the rest of the narrative fails to fully explore. The supporting cast, including Mathias Luppichini as Audun and André Sørum as Kasper, deliver solid performances, but they are often overshadowed by the film’s disjointed storytelling.

Sofiedal’s direction is competent but uninspired. He relies too heavily on quick cuts and loud action beats to mask a lack of substance. The film’s visual style is serviceable, but it lacks the bold choices that could elevate it above the average genre fare. The sound design, while functional, doesn’t do much to enhance the overall experience. The score, when it appears, feels generic and fails to add emotional depth or tension.

The film’s pacing is another issue; after a promising setup, it loses steam midway through, resorting to familiar tropes and tired gags. The attempt to blend Men in Black with The Hangover results in neither the cleverness of the former nor the raucous fun of the latter. The alien invasion plotline feels tacked on, lacking the depth or originality needed to stand out in a crowded field of sci-fi films. The film’s humor, meant to be a balancing act between slapstick and wit, often misses the mark, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment rather than laughter.

Thematically, Blasted touches on themes of friendship, loyalty, and the absurdity of life, but it never delves deep enough to make a meaningful impact. The film’s attempt to explore the complexities of male friendships is overshadowed by its reliance on shallow comedy and action set pieces. The alien invasion, meant to serve as a catalyst for character growth and reconciliation, instead feels like a gimmick, lacking the emotional weight or stakes needed to resonate with audiences.

In comparison to other films in the genre, Blasted falls short. It lacks the cleverness and wit of Men in Black, the heartfelt humor of The Hangover, and the thrilling action of Independence Day. While it tries to carve out its own niche by blending comedy, sci-fi, and action, it ultimately fails to stand out. The film’s target audience is unclear—it’s not laugh-out-loud funny enough for comedy fans, not thrilling enough for action enthusiasts, and not thought-provoking enough for drama lovers.

The film’s production values are decent but unremarkable. The sets and costumes are functional but lack the polish and attention to detail that could elevate the film’s visual appeal. The cinematography is competent, with some well-framed shots, but it lacks the creativity and innovation needed to make Blasted visually distinctive.

In the end, Blasted is a film that tries too hard to be everything at once and ends up being nothing special. It’s mildly amusing in parts but ultimately forgettable. The performances by Bøyum and Skogsrud are its saving grace, offering moments of genuine connection amidst the chaos. However, these bright spots are not enough to salvage the film from its own shortcomings.

Blasted is a missed opportunity—a film with potential that fails to deliver on its promise. It’s content to be, at best, mildly amusing, and at worst, wearisome once the movie passes the 90-minute mark.