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Point Break, 1991
Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves) is a young FBI agent whose partner (Gary Busy) enlists him to help catch a gang of bank robbers. The robbers are a crew of local surfers, led by the charismatic Bohdi (Patrick Swayze). Johnny ingratiates himself with another surfer, Tyler (Lori Petty) as an in. But his relationships with both Bodhi and Tyler quickly complicate the mission.
This film is an action classic and I totally get it. Not really something I loved, but at the same time full of some iconic moments and images.
In terms of strengths, the action scenes were really good. Whether it was the bank robberies, the surfing, or skydiving, the action is dynamic and easy to follow. And like most great action films, these scenes manage to layer the action with character development.
Reeves and Swayze are appealing leads, though I really struggled with Bodhi, and his "gotta crack a few eggs" philosophy towards his choices and the very real harm they did other people. The real surprise for me was Lori Petty, who I love, and did not realize was going to be in this. As the woman caught between Bodhi and Johnny, she really holds her own and I appreciated that the character was written with some depth.
The film also nails the final act, and manages to have a conclusion that has weight and just the right degree of closure.
On the down side, I did find some of the dialogue---especially the police banter--verged a bit too much on the silly side of things. And Bodhi as a character never really clicked with me, making it a bit hard to gel with Johnny's affection for him. Enjoyable and I get why it's got its reputation.
Point Break, 1991
Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves) is a young FBI agent whose partner (Gary Busy) enlists him to help catch a gang of bank robbers. The robbers are a crew of local surfers, led by the charismatic Bohdi (Patrick Swayze). Johnny ingratiates himself with another surfer, Tyler (Lori Petty) as an in. But his relationships with both Bodhi and Tyler quickly complicate the mission.
This film is an action classic and I totally get it. Not really something I loved, but at the same time full of some iconic moments and images.
In terms of strengths, the action scenes were really good. Whether it was the bank robberies, the surfing, or skydiving, the action is dynamic and easy to follow. And like most great action films, these scenes manage to layer the action with character development.
Reeves and Swayze are appealing leads, though I really struggled with Bodhi, and his "gotta crack a few eggs" philosophy towards his choices and the very real harm they did other people. The real surprise for me was Lori Petty, who I love, and did not realize was going to be in this. As the woman caught between Bodhi and Johnny, she really holds her own and I appreciated that the character was written with some depth.
The film also nails the final act, and manages to have a conclusion that has weight and just the right degree of closure.
On the down side, I did find some of the dialogue---especially the police banter--verged a bit too much on the silly side of things. And Bodhi as a character never really clicked with me, making it a bit hard to gel with Johnny's affection for him. Enjoyable and I get why it's got its reputation.