Review of Point Break (2015) by Karinne B — 19 Aug 2017

This movie is unlimitedly rewatchable. Not only is it a well composed, fixating thriller, it has an unexpectedly full emotional range for such a testosterone-driven film. I suppose we maybe owe that to Kathryn Bigelow.

Keanu Reeves his his awkward stiff self in this movie, but it doesn't really detract from the whole story. It's hard to buy that the surfers wouldn't be suspicious of his blunt and stunted manner as an undercover cop, but ultimately this doesn't really matter. You learn to love him as a guy who may not be the brightest bulb but is a real action jock and really just wants to have a good time.

Patrick Swayze is at his most charismatic best as the thrill-seeking Bodhi, and could talk a cat into learning how to surf.

Gary Busey makes a truly laudable appearance as Keanu's partner, frequently taking the shots at Keanu's midwest quarterback good-old-boy character that are needed to assure the audience that he knows his partner is a bit of a doofus.

Meanwhile the rest of the surfer characters are very real, due to the fact that they are actual surfers plucked up off the beach.

The action sequences are exhilarating and fresh, and in the end it's hard to really pick a side as both the criminals and the law that is chasing them have such charming characters constantly upping the ante on the action.