Taking the original and upping the ante on stunts and cinematography

Rating: 8/10 (3 December 2015)

Memories of an 80's or early 90's cult classic can often cloud your judgment when a reboot or remake comes on to the scene. I have to be honest with myself, the original isn't a work of art and it doesn't age well. After recently watching the 1991 version, it was obvious that my memory of the movie was way better than the actual thing. While the campiness and bad acting might have worked when I was a young teenager, it now feels like a self-parody. Let's jump to present day. It's apparent from the opening scene that the new version of "Point Break" is trying to have it's own identity. The motocross scene immediately grabs hold of you and squeezes till your left breathless when they make their jump of the cliff. Knowing that this is REAL stunt work and not special effects is what really makes this a fun action movie. It's the same reason why we watch Jackie Chan movies because we know he's putting himself on the line in his fight and stunt sequences. People often compare fight sequences as a dance / art. I believe that it's the same for surfing, motocross, snowboarding and wing suit flying. And the great cinematography really amplify those moments in the film. When it comes to the story, I expected as much as an action movie was going to give. I will say that the new version of Point Break tries to create layers that were not in the original film. But the bar is low enough that practically anything is an improvement from the original storyline. But regardless, it kept me interested since I already knew how the movie was going to end. The journey was slightly different for the characters so it was fun watching a new take on it. As for the acting, they aren't trying to reinvent Reeves or Swayze. While that is a good thing, it also has it's drawbacks. Perhaps because I am now "grown up", I don't care for the campiness and less-than-stellar acting of the original. The new faces in this version of the movie do a good job but they don't have the same dynamic or charisma as Reeves or Swayze. But what they do establish a thousand times better is their kinship. The bro-love of the original feels paper thin but in the new movie feels organic and realistic. Overall, this is supposed to be a fun movie to sit down with your popcorn and just go along for the ride. I don't want it to be the original "Point Break" but I'm not expecting Citizen Kane. It's an action movie that entertains. Watching the stunt sequences alone was worth the price of admission. When I'm watching a movie like this, I want to say, "Whoa" out loud during action sequences and this movie does not disappoint.