Speed is a fine example on how to make a great action movie. The bomb on a bus concept is only half of it. It also needs a likeable hero, which it acheives in Keanu Reeves as Jack Traven. Reeves would never be better, being a physical fit for the character and also humourous in some parts. He also delivers every cheesy line of dialogue in a wonderfully macho fashion, a strong improvement over his performance as Johnny Utah. Everything else is perfect in this movie, from Dennis Hopper's epic psycho performance and the excellent stunts, but I rate
Point Break higher.
The main problem with
Speed, and
Point Break in some ways, is that they're dragged to the fullest extent. At least
Point Break's ending was worth watching, but after Hopper loses his head (literally),
Speed goes off the tracks (literally). When Keanu says to Sandy Bullock "He lost his head", the movie is over for me.
Point Break is high-octane fun. Keanu is the only weak link for me, but he isn't as bad as others who consider themselves "action heroes", like Jason bloody Statham. Patrick Swayze is way charismatic, the surfing and skydiving scenes are exhilarating and Bodhi and Utah are the ultimate cinema bro's. Also gets points for referencing
Roadhouse.
Just my opinions on the subject.