Back in 1991, a film with one of the dumbest concepts around became one of the biggest cult classic successes of the last 30 years. Directed by future Oscar winner and Mrs Cameron, Kathryn Bigelow (yes, a woman!) no one could have predicted that 25 years later its legacy was this strong; that the undercover FBI agent going after a group of surfing bank robbers was worthy of a reboot.
What made the original 'Point Break' so great was its simplicity - cool guys doing cool shit, and a little bromance on the side. ‘Point Break’ 2015 is just guys, doing insane shit with a paper-thin spirituality story to tie it all together. In 1991 we wanted to be these guys. No rules. No responsibility. In 2015, a world where we can barely spend the duration of this film away from our phones, watching guys risking their lives to "give make to nature" isn't something we can empathise with.
'POINT BREAK' TRAILER
Utah (Aussie Luke Bracey) is a former downhill extreme sportsman, who, after a tragic accident, put his head on straight and ended up with the FBI. Investigating a recent spate of daredevil crimes, Utah realises this group are trying to complete the ‘Osaki 8’ - a series of death-defying challenges that will lead the participant to nirvana - the spiritual kind, not the band. With his unique set of skills, Utah goes undercover to infiltrate the group where he meets its leader Bodhi (Edgar Ramirez) and becomes entangled in their quest.
If it weren't for the lack of insignia and product placement, I would have thought this was a $105 million, 114-minute Red Bull or GoPro commercial. Shot beautifully, boasting stunts and physical feats only the fearless and insane dare try, you no longer want to be these guys, you fear for these guys.
If it weren't for the lack of insignia and product placement, I would have thought this was a $105 million, 114-minute Red Bull or GoPro commercial.
A quarter of a century ago, this movie claimed stars with "it factor" for days. Today, 'Point Break's' leads are pretty, can deliver a line competently and little else. Filling out the cast is Delroy Lindo as a very generic FBI commander. and Ray Winstone, who I'm not even sure why he’s there. He provides no comedic relief and he’s certainly no Gary Busey. Fellow Aussie (sporting her natural accent) Teresa Palmer fills her small role of tits, arse and exposition just as intended and no more.
All style. No substance. With the exception of the names and one minor nod to the original, this film hasn't earned the right to call itself 'Point Break'.