Come Along For The Ride (Point Break (DVD))

Member Name: NikkiH

Product:	Point Break (DVD)
Date:	06/04/08 (83 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good viewing experience

Disadvantages: Not challenging enough for some

After recently reviewing Hot Fuzz where they are numerous references to Point Break, I decided that it was time to watch the film again, more to refresh my memory for this review rather than to decide whether or not I like it. I was shocked to see that it was actually released 17 years ago in 1991. The film opens with shots of a policeman in a firing range and a surfer out at sea, so the expectation is set that there will be a link between the two.

The comically named Johnny Utah, played by Keanu Reeves, is a 25 year old ex footballer who has been recently inducted into the FBI and moves to Los Angeles to start his new job. As with most films of this type, the excitable, energetic rookie is placed with the cynical, overweight detective, Angelo Pappas, played on this occasion by Gary Busey. As expected, it is not long before a case comes their way, and they are given the job of catching the team behind a number of bank robberies, in fact it is a case Pappas has been trying to crack alone for three years, in which time they have been successful in robbing 28 banks. All of the robberies have been connected as the gang wear rubber American presidents masks, hence their name "The Ex Presidents", and their organisation and success are down to precision timing and apparent lack of greed as they never hit the safes for money, only the cash desks. As the case progresses, the FBI decide that Utah must go undercover as a surfer to become part of the gang they believe to be responsible for the crimes. His ultimate goal is to gain the trust of the gang leader Bohdi played by Patrick Swayze.

Predictably, Utah finds it increasingly difficult to separate work and personal life, and finds himself becoming too involved in the group and more specifically with individuals within the group. He finds himself drawn to Tyler played by Lori Petty, who is not what she seems. She initially helps Utah to learn the art of surfing and is his link to the cliquey group, but his feelings become too strong to switch on and off. However, it is when he is accepted by Bohdi that his morals and loyalty are brought into question. They are adrenaline junkies and the excitement of their lives soon becomes too hard to resist, because deep down, Utah is a natural adrenaline junkie. Then he has to answer the million dollar question.......Can he turn in the people he has come to feel a bond with and understand their motives? At this point we are treat to high speed, high octane chases in cars, on foot and even in the sea and air. The majority of the action does focus around surfing, but even if you are not a fan of this hobby it won't affect your viewing pleasure. The soundtrack adds to the rush, and includes tracks from lesser known artists but ones which fit the scenery so well.

Even though so much of the film is predictable, it still makes for an enjoyable viewing experience, and director Kathryn Bigelow should take the majority of credit for this. The outdoor scenes are brilliantly shot and really enhance the experience. Also the fast pace ensures the viewer does not have a chance to tire and the constant action keeps you hooked. Bigelow also ensures that even though the viewer could list a number of weaknesses of the film, they are overlooked by taking them along for the ride. The final scenes are breathtaking and have you holding your breath in anticipation. As I have already mentioned, the film was released in 1991, but it has stood the test of time well. It was made to be cool, and even now it still comes across that way.
Reeves does what he does best. He has a pretty face, but his characters never really have enough balls to be the person they want to be. This was his first real attempt at some serious acting, and he did ok, he was less wooden than in previous roles, but it would take a further three years, and the release of "Speed" before he gained the fame he has today. Swayze is the triumph of the film, and proves he is a versatile actor who I believe receives an unfair press too often. If rumour is to be believed, he actually did all of his stunts in this film, and was seriously injured during one of them. The rest of the supporting cast such as Busey and Lori Petty do what is expected of them, although Petty's voice is so irritating that I would hate to watch a film where she was the lead character. It sounds like she has had a gulp of helium before every sentence.

I loved the film and would recommend it for a Sunday afternoon such as today to combat the snowy weather with the beautiful Californian scenery which is filmed with flair, energy and style.

Summary: High adrenaline action movie