Review: Point Break (2015) BD + Screen Caps

THE MOVIE – 2.0/5

Sadly, remakes are just about the norm in Hollywood these days and more often than not, they, well, suck. But the worse ones are those that remake good movies, such is the case with this lifeless 2015 version of Point Break, a movie with plenty of spectacular stunt work but little else of worth.

Johnny Utah (LUKE BRACEY) was a famous extreme sports athlete who, following the death of his best friend during a stunt gone wrong, joins the FBI hoping to become an agent. When a string of robberies around the world catches the attention of the Feds, Utah sees a pattern from the perpetrators: they are attempting to complete the Ozaki 8, a list of 8 accomplishments, of the extreme measure of course, to honor Mother Nature. Utah knows where they’ll be next, in the middle of the ocean off the coast of France, to ride a rare wave from the wake of a major storm. He’s sent there to meet an agent in the UK office, Pappas (RAY WINSTONE).

At the site of the wave, where the rich and glamorous gather for one hell of a party, Utah encounters Bodhi (EDGAR RAMIREZ), an extreme athlete in his own right though he’s not doing it for money or fame but getting in tune with nature… or something along those lines. Anyway, Bodhi rides a gnarly wave at the same point Utah does but when he gets rolled underwater, Bodhi dives in and saves his life. Bodhi shows Utah around and we are introduced to his crew: Grommet (MATIAS VARELA), Roach (CLEMENDS SCHTICK) and Chowder (TOBIAS SANTELMAN). Utah also meets the beautiful Samsara (TERESA PALMER) whom we later learn is friends with Bodhi and his gang.

Unable to provide his superior (DELROY LINDO) with evidence Bodhi is behind the crimes, Utah takes it upon himself to infiltrate the group and while at first the others don’t exactly warm up to him, he participates in the next series of the Ozaki 8 while he also learns a few lessons from Bodhi.

As I stated earlier, remakes are now a common thing but there are many instances where one is absolutely unnecessary and this one of those movies. But beyond that, there’s not much here to latch on to. Luke Bracey hardly has any charisma compared with Keanu Reeves (take that for what you will) but he can’t really act. Edgar Ramirez might be a solid enough actor otherwise yet here he’s doesn’t quite have the charm where one would follow his every word. The only positive thing I can say about the cast is Ray Winstone however, he’s only in it for maybe 10 minutes.

On the plus side, Point Break does feature some impressive stunts with plenty of practical effects that look amazing. The wingsuit sequence is actually beautiful and the sky dive scene is stunning, it’s just a shame we don’t get a better screenplay, oddly written by Kurt Wimmer, and actors who could make you give a damn about any of them. I’d suggest instead of spending your money on the remake, check out the 1987 original or the first remake, 2000’s The Fast and the Furious, either one would be a better option.

In the end, this just was not necessary. Is it technically speaking terrible? No and I’ve seen far worse and would probably choose this over some of the crap I’ve had to sit through, but even so, outside of the stunts, the acting isn’t any good and it’s an all around forgettable flick.

SPECIAL FEATURES – 1.5/5

This release comes with a lenticular slip cover. Inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy.

There are several short mini-featurettes that briefly breakdown some of the stunt sequences: Rock Climbing (1:52; HD), Wingsuit Flying (2:16; HD), Snowboarding (1:58; HD), and Motocross (1:55; HD)

Deleted Scenes (8:17; HD) – All told we get four scenes, none of which were necessary nor make the movie any better, though we do get the intro to Winstone.

Last up is Domestic Trailer #1 (2:35; HD) and Domestic Trailer #2 (2:34; HD).

2D VIDEO – 4.25/5 | 3D VIDEO – 4.0/5

The 3D version also has much to be desired. Depth is OK in many spots and I do appreciate the filmmakers didn’t employ the usual tricks for the format, it’s nothing I’d call impressive. The stunt scenes, such as out of a plane or the wing suit sequence, is the most remarkable aspect whiles the general scenes (sit and talk) is pretty flat and indiscernible from the regular film.

AUDIO – 4.25/5

OVERALL – 2.5/5