WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Pushing it to the limit. Finding one’s own threshold of endurance. Going extreme. Somewhere inside us all, even if almost undiscernible, is a primal urge to challenge the world around us in an attempt to prove ourselves, whether to satisfy internal validation or impress others. And for many, this takes the form of the still-emerging world of extreme sports and the adrenaline-fueled escapades it encompasses. For motocross biker Johnny “Utah” (Luke Bracey), this rush was his sole thrill until a tragic accident steals away his desire to push things to the edge. Years after, having joined the FBI, freshman agent Utah is tasked by his superior, Instructor Hall (Delroy Lindo), to gather intelligence on a group of thieves with a decidedly extreme M.O.
Linking up with foreign agent asset Pappas (Ray Winstone), Utah fights via to gain acceptance with the group’s leader, Bodhi (Edgar Ramirez), and his main accomplices, Grommet (Matias Varela), Roach (Clemens Schick), Chowder (Tobias Santelmann), and the beautiful Samsara (Theresa Palmer). With a wish to complete a set of extreme endurance tests called the Ozaki Eight, Utah becomes more and more drawn into Bodhi’s lifestyle and thrill-seeking ways, until moreso realizing that even as the group continues these efforts, the larger picture entails committing crimes aimed to cripple the world’s financial markets. Torn between a begrudging loyalty to these newfound “friends” and coming under pressure from Hall and Pappas, Utah is soon forced to chose whose side he’s truly on.
Next, my Mind:
While some may consider it a stretch to call the original 1991 “Point Break” a classic, it still stands firm in at least being one of those guilty pleasures that garnered a cult following and did have the benefit of having a fledgling Keanu Reeves and the undeniably charismatic Patrick Swayze as the titular lead figure. While director Ericson Core’s previous foray into feature film, “Invincible”, was a treasure, this newest remake falls short of its predecessor ultimately. The same characters of Utah, Bodhi, and Pappas may be present, but these actor’s interpretations of said roles just seemed too shallow, even by cult film standards, and this reviewer never felt convincingly taken in by them like the original. It all just seemed truly “been there, done that”.
What does excel in this version, however, are the stunning and heart-attack inducing extreme sports exploits, and their execution is one incredible feat of cinematography. From skydiving out of a plane to “liberate” some funds, to snowboarding down treacherous peaks, careening through mountain canyons and cliffs via wingsuits, free-ascending towering waterfalls, and surfing massive waves, the film most certainly delivers the goods in this respect, but ends up being the film’s only real draw. There just didn’t seem to be any genuine conviction behind Bracey’s Utah or Ramirez’ Bodhi, lacking the much more palpable “bromance” connection Reeves and Swayze had in 1991. So, overall, if looking for straight-up stimulation via extreme sports activity, this will be for you. Otherwise, honestly, take a look at the 90’s original for what this effort was trying to be.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
