Film Review – Point Break
2 min read
A remake of Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow’s 90s cult hit, Point Break stars an all new cast with death defying action scenes that keeps the adrenalin running. After a stunt turns devastatingly awry, athlete extremist Johnny Utah (Luke Bracey) is a burgeoning rookie FBI agent candidate seven years later. During a briefing about recent crimes committed through extreme stunts – skyscraper heists, robbery on a plane – Utah’s research leads him to discover a group of daredevil athletes. Led by the magnetic Bodhi (Edgar Ramirez), Utah goes undercover and seeks to prove their responsibility for the crimes, whilst battling the alluring temptation of the thrill.
Like its predecessor, Point Break is filled with high-octane stunts and climactic sports scenes that made the cult film a classic. Extreme sports and exhilarating action scenes create a strong and visually dynamic atmosphere that almost lives up to its precursor. Fortunately, the modern and energetic stunts will impress action lovers and may keep them entertained. Playing dual roles as director and cinematographer Ericson Core is the real winner here with his dynamic shots and dazzling stunts. Sadly, Kurt Wimmer’s screenplay is the ultimate letdown for such an action packed film.
Taking over the roles of Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze, Bracey and Ramirez headline the modern reboot of the classic action film, Point Break. With the success of the film and star power of iconic actors, the comparison can’t be helped. Australian native Bracey in his first leading role offers a new and refreshing take to Johnny Utah but isn’t as convincing as Reeves’ intensity. Ramirez holds his own though, but still is matched to the late Swayze. Unfortunately for Teresa Palmer, playing the love interest Samsara is more sexual being that female counterpart.
Although Point Break is jam packed with extraordinary stunts, the film lacks solid storyline and dialogue. Instead, the film is bombarded with philosophical lines that falls short of inspiring the ‘hippie’ life. Characters seemingly opt for the Zen-like lifestyle and embody a charitable attitude but these are soon disregarded for their own personal selfish interests. Like the 1991 film, the free spirit attitude flows throughout the movie but unfortunately feels dry and false. The holes in the storyline sadly fail the film, forgetting the story in place of contemporary material. Ultimately, Point Break satisfies the audience with thrilling action scenes, albeit lacking any substantial plot.
