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Point Break
By Jeffrey Anderson,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
"Point"-less remake -- and don't try this stuff at home!
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Point Break
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Based on 4 parent reviews
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watched with 8 year old
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What's the Story?
Johnny Utah (Luke Bracey) is an extreme sports enthusiast -- until his best friend (Max Thieriot) dies during a stunt. Years later, Utah joins the FBI and learns about a group of extreme sports enthusiasts who use their skills to rob banks and then give the money away. Utah is sent to investigate, and he joins up with Bodhi (Edgar Ramirez), a man who's dedicated himself to completing the "Osaki 8": eight nearly impossible ordeals designed to honor the forces of nature. As Utah learns more about the spiritual aspect of Bodhi's quest -- and gets involved with the pretty Samsara (Teresa Palmer) -- it becomes increasingly difficult to complete his mission. Not to mention that he could lose his life.
Is It Any Good?
Like many remakes, this adventure yarn seems designed more like a soulless factory product, a calculated grab at some overseas profits, than anything anyone actually wanted to be involved with. Based on Kathryn Bigelow's terrific 1991 movie, the updated POINT BREAK copies the basic idea but strips away most of the original's nuance and feeling; this one is unbendingly simple, with few tough decisions or emotional struggles.
Even with all the stunts -- photographed with an annoyingly busy, roving camera -- it feels like very little is actually at stake here. (It's pretty easy to predict when any of the characters is going to die.) There's no suspense; plus, the dialogue is heavy on plot exposition and blatantly obvious statements, and pop music is awkwardly relied upon. Ramirez can't match Patrick Swayze in the original; Bracey doesn't even come close to Keanu Reeves, and Palmer looks like she's turned off her brain, emphasizing her cleavage over her talent. "Point"-less, indeed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Point Break's violence. What's the appeal of extreme sports? Does this movie make them look appealing or cool? How does this kind of violence compare to other types of media action violence? Which has the most impact, and why?
How is Bodhi trying to protect the Earth? Is his plan viable? What else can be done?
How does this remake compare to the original? Why do you think Hollywood continues to put out remakes?
How does the movie handle its sex scene? What effect does it have? Do you think it's necessary to the story?
Movie Details
- In theaters: December 25, 2015
- On DVD or streaming: March 29, 2016
- Cast: Luke Bracey , Edgar Ramirez , Teresa Palmer
- Director: Ericson Core
- Inclusion Information: Latino actors, Female actors
- Studio: Warner Bros.
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts
- Run time: 113 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: violence, thematic material involving perilous activity, some sexuality, language and drug material
- Last updated: May 20, 2023
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