Review of Point Break (2015) by Timothy S — 02 Aug 2014

Recently, Kathryn Bigelow has finally been getting the attention as a filmmaker that movie buffs have known she should have been getting her entire career and she has been making great, mostly unsung films for years. Of those early projects, "Point Break" has definitely gained a cult following, and it's easy to see why.

It's a fast-paced thriller with engaging performances and big, kinetic action sequences. There's an amazing foot chase here, and a simply breathtaking scene involving a freefall sky dive, and at the heart of it all is the conflicted relationship between Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves. The story isn't always convincing, and the surfer creed of zen and inner peace is mostly mumbo jumbo, but the dynamic of the two actors is effective especially after all the cards are on the table and all of the secrets have been revealed.

Reeves is actually quite convincing as an FBI agent, playing up his stoned, slacker persona on the beach, and the chemistry between him and Gary Busey is even more engaging than it is with Swayze. The two of them have great rapport, and frankly the police investigation angle is the most interesting thing about the film. I was disappointed, however, in the ending which was far too ambiguous on at least two counts. It leaves a couple of pretty major plot developments up in the air, and I was hoping for some concrete answers.

Until then, however, "Point Break" is great summer entertainment, showcasing a great director who hadn't even hit her prime yet. This is a thrilling if somewhat implausible action flick.