Common Sense Media Review
By Tracy Moore
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
'90s hit with intense action, graphic violence, and surfing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Point Break (1991)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say the film is an exhilarating action thriller filled with intense sequences, memorable characters, and a blend of adventure that includes surfing, skydiving, and bank robberies. Although it contains significant violence, strong language, and some nudity, many reviewers agree that it's an entertaining experience, best suited for mature teens despite its R rating.
- intense action
- strong language
- graphic violence
- mature audience
- memorable characters
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Agent Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves) is on the case tracking a group of violent bank robbers when he's led to a thrill-seeking bunch of surfers led by Bodhi (Patrick Swayze), who may or may not fit the bill. The friendships he forms leave him enamored of surfing but confused about how to do his job due to the strange newfound respect he has for the criminals he's tracking and their adventure-seeking lifestyle.
Is It Any Good?
This is a high-action, intense, outrageous film that manages to blend a lot of action movies into one. There are gorgeous surfing shots, intense bank-robbery scenes, violent shoot-outs, turf wars, and unlikely friendships that offer buddy-picture tropes on both sides of the law. It's Keanu Reeves at his best, playing the unassuming smart guy who comes off as dumb and likable enough to infiltrate a group of surfers who teach him about the real meaning of thrills and adventure with a dose of cheesy California spirituality.
Older teens already inured to violent films may find this retro-amusing, and there are some interesting questions about doing the right thing when the criminal you're tracking becomes not only a source of admiration and respect but also a friend. Though the acting and pace are satisfying for a big blockbuster night, it's way too over the top in terms of violence, profanity, and general lawlessness to be a good fit for kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about surfing movies. What makes them so fascinating? Does this seem like an accurate portrayal of surfing culture? Why, or why not?
Was Agent Utah's decision at the film's end the right one? Why did he make that choice?
Why are such graphically violent movies so popular? What do they say about our culture?
Have you seen the remake of this movie? How does it compare?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 14, 1991
- On DVD or streaming : February 1, 2005
- Cast : Keanu Reeves , Patrick Swayze , Lori Petty
- Director : Kathryn Bigelow
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Polynesian/Pacific Islander Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , School ( College & Graduate School ) , Competition , Sports ( Football ) , Friendship , STEM ( Nature ) , Animals ( Ocean Creatures ) , Travel
- Run time : 122 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Rated R for violence, language and brief nudity
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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