You know those movies where there's not one realistic thing about them, but it only adds to the charm and fun of it? Where the insanity and occasional inane script choices make it that much more entertaining? Point Break is such a film. It doesn't operate on any levels of reality, unashamedly, and wears its "movie" status proudly, deciding instead to tell a intricate tale, which is loads of fun. Kathryn Bigelow should be proud.
Point Break is pure fantasy. It jams surfing, action, love, and crime into one awesome-looking package, and presents it excitedly. Everything about it is crazy. It's about an FBI agent named Johnny Utah trying to catch surfer bank robbers. You throw realism out the window upon seeing the plot summary. I mean, Utah uses his real name undercover (because why not?), falls in love with a girl (predictably), barely hides his profession as an FBI agent, and at one point, he and the main villain know the other's true identity but still act like best buds for no reason.
Keanu Reeves is at the top of his stoic, emotionless game. The only actor to ever give poor performances well, Reeves has made a living off of his visible lack of enthusiasm in his roles for years, and it's somehow charming and endearing. He's weirdly perfect as Johnny Utah (the coolest character name ever next to John McClane and Axel Foley), and gives his all in the role. Patrick Swayze is excellent as the villain, and it may be his finest performance. He plays a serious turd in this movie. He's cool in the beginning, but you just totally hate him by the end, which is the hallmark of a good villain. Gary Busey is here too, lending some class and craziness as usual.
Point Break is also chock-full of great action sequences. The beach fight was cool, with Reeves and Swayze showing off their moves, and the house raid was also well-done. The car and foot chase scene that everyone talks about is stupidly entertaining and well-shot. The bank shootout and runway shootout were cool, and the plane scene was legit. The final fight was intense and brutal, and very memorable. You know those movie moments where it's totally unrealistic, but it's just awesome and you just smile while watching, regardless of how unbelievable it is? I experienced such a moment during the second skydiving scene. Awesome.
Definitely watch this 90s action classic. It has all the slow-mo, intense gunpoint scenes, bloody squibs, and fist fights you could ask for.
Also, this movie is not gay. I hate it when people always try to over analyze every male relationship looking for gay subtext. Every decision Keanu made with Bodhi's life was out of friendship and respect. It's not gay. Stop it. Go watch
Brokeback Mountain (2005) and shut up.
