‘Point Break’ Still Rocks!
Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze in Point Break | Credit: 20th Century Fox
Every year on Movies & Us, we hold an Oscar wager. The person who wins not only has bragging rights for the year but also has the privilege of picking the next film we review. This year, I won, and as a result, I used this opportunity to expand our film horizons and fill in a gap in our cinematic knowledge.
That’s right, I chose Point Break.
In this film, an FBI Agent, Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves), seeks to infiltrate a group of surfers in hopes of uncovering a bank robbing ring.
Honestly, that’s a great premise. FBI investigations, bank robberies, and surfers make for a great combination. What’s not to like about that?
What impresses me most about this film is that even though it’s an action film, it spends a lot of time in non-action-filled moments. The first half of the film is spent with us just hanging out with the characters. We see Johnny in a number of different environments: inside the FBI building where he has to be put together, investigating with Pappas (Gary Busey) where he can be more himself, and undercover as he infiltrates this surfing group.
That time spent with Johnny is so well spent! We learn about his drive to take care of people and to do what’s right. There’s an earnestness about him that is really endearing. You want to root for him as he embarks on this mission.
We also spend plenty of time with Bodhi (Patrick Swayze), the charismatic leader of the surfers. Honestly, these moments are so fun! I understand the allure and I just wanted to keep hanging out with Bodhi too. Swayze brings so much to this role; there’s a magnetic force to him that is hard to ignore or deny. But he’s also daring and constantly flirting with danger. He’s driven by a few different factors that combine together to make a really interesting character.
Even though this is an action movie, there are layers to each of these characters, which makes it even more fun to watch.
Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze in Point Break | Credit: 20th Century Fox
Point Break is incredibly beloved and now I understand why. This 1991 film is just so rewatchable. It’s one of those films that you could just put on and enjoy from any point. This probably performed really well in the era of cable television.
There’s plenty of action, great character moments, and funny dialogue to pull you in. The story itself is well-balanced and is a great hang-out movie. This is one that I can’t wait to revisit again.
Who doesn’t want to spend more time with Bodhi and his bros?