Point Break.

Rating: 5/10 (19 December 2016)

Look the 5/10 is for the deservedly recognized action adventure stunt sequences which are often quite white knuckle and intensely effective. But what is left: glum Macy's cologne models often either find kinship or oppose each other. No energy or spirit in the performances. And why I love the film this is "inspired by" is that the action sequences are just part of why it appeals to me. Swayze as Bodhi simply can't be duplicated. Lori Petty as his sis and Keanu Reeves' romantic interest is a cool chick. Gary Busey as Reeves' FBI colleague has hilarious lines, achieves plenty of good will with us, and is supportive / loyal to a fault. Keanu has the look of an action hero even if sometimes his performances are rather lacking in real gusto. Not one cast member besides a welcome Delroy Lindo gives us much at all to enjoy on screen. Ray Winstone just doesn't have a part that plays off his strengths as a customary badass who can blow others off the screen. Edgar Martinez has as much charisma as a sharp rock he climbs up during the "Eiger Sanction" mountain climbing sequence. Luke Bracey is a pretty boy GQ advertisement model who can stare and emote "serious and somber thinking man" but it doesn't make us give a rat's ass about him as much as wet panties. The others who follow Martinez serve as body count fodder who fail to complete the "Ozaki 8" behind their leader. What is damn good are the locations and numerous impactful stunt and action sequences which include cliff-diving, mountain climbing, surfing, an avalanche purposely caused by explosives to damn up a gold mining operation, gunfights, and chases in curvy streets or along dangerous curves around mountains. Waterfalls, large waves, trips out of windows on high rises, snowboarding down snowy, treacherous, mountainous, rocky peaks, and wingsuit flight by the film's anti-heroes all create exhilarating and gulp-in-the-throat sequences of awe; but when the characters must talk and there's a bothersome FBI plot of this extreme sports agent infiltrating (and becoming allured by) a "wolf pack" gang of criminals needing funding to support their cause the film is rendered dull and cumbersome. With Teresa Palmer (who has went from "cheerleader pretty" roles to "edgy pretty" roles) as love interest to Bracey, handcuffed with an underwritten and rather cliché part. The locations are resplendent as are the action sequences which occur on them. Great cinematography and editing boost the film a lot, too. The money spent on the goods deliver. The cast and plot, don't.