Point Less.

Rating: 5/10 (2 January 2016)

The first mistake in the recreation of 'Point Break' is the startling realisation that Hollywood actually thought it was a good idea for a remake to be produced. Surely these fools have enough original material to stay away from projects like this. The second mistake is the absurd amount of money committed to the production of this bland, eco-environmental crime thriller, if in fact that is what it can actually be called. In saying this though, the cinema was at capacity for the reinvention of Kathryn Bigelow's original edgy crime thriller that quickly became a cult classic upon its release back in 1991. Most of the audience were there on the pretense that they were about to witness a crafty update packed with plenty of glorious thrilling action. What you actually get is a misguided film that preaches its obvious left wing message and forgets to develop any bona fide relationships between the cast. As one women stated as we were all leaving the theatre, "I almost fell asleep".
Let me start with what was right with the film. There is no doubt that the incredible locations used as a driving force to create an authentic sense of extreme, is a total eye opener. This is where the greatest slice of the reported $105 million budget has gone to. It's a National Geographics where's where of tremendous locations, showcasing the wonderfully powerful forces that mother nature has at her disposal. The audience is treated to mammoth middle ocean surf breaks, stunning scenes of snow covered mountains, and superbly scaled shots of cliff faces rising out from South American jungles. The film is NOT a wildlife documentary and this is where Director, Ericson Core, has failed in his attempt to deliver a production that has any connection with the audience. Core has been too busy in his persistence for shooting the impossibly outrageous stunts than trying to develop a consuming story. Kurt Wimmer's screenplay is not totally weak, doing its best in inviting the audience into the narrative but it just isn't strong enough to balance out the blatant overuse of the death defying skills. Unfortunately 'Point Break' just cannot make it past the first twenty minutes before you realise that this is as good as it gets.
Core's 'Point Break' focuses on the world of extreme sports. Motor Cross daredevil, Utah (Luke Bracy) joins the FBI after a tragic accident sees him walk away from the sport that he loves. He is recruited by his instructor, Hall (Delroy Lindo) to infiltrate the world he once belonged to. His task is to identify and investigate a gang of extreme athletes that have been responsible for some truly impossible heists that has resulted in the loss of billions of dollars. This crime gang has disrupted major American interests but any attempts to catch these fearless criminals has proved fruitless. In his investigation, Utah comes across a man of interest who goes by the name of Bodhi (Edgar Ramirez). Like Utah, Bodhi is highly skilled in all things dangerous and it isn't long before the two form an unusual bond. The young Fed becomes fixated on Bodhi and his crew and when their plans are revealed, Utah must choose between the life he once knew and the life that he wishes to pursue.
Along for this pointless ride is Ray Winstone as Pappas, Utah's handler while he is on assignment but it becomes obviously apparent that Winstone seems out of place in the whole context of the story. He just doesn't need to be there. Even more confusing is the role that Teresa Palmer plays. She is Utah's love interest, Samsara, but all she seems to be is a stoned hippi who has been carelessly written into the script. While the cast have tried their best to engage with their characters, none seem to have any special attachment to the other. For 'Point Break' to seize the attention of the audience, Bracey and Ramirez needed a certain chemistry to give the film an authentic feel. It all seemed too laboured. It lacked the star power of a Swayze or a Reeves to navigate the narrative through the feeble dialogue.
The remake of 'Point Break' didn't need to happen. If you plan to see this film based on the presumption that it could be a riveting criminal action film you will be disappointed. The stunts are spectacular and the locations are worth a look but a good reinvention it is not.