Point Break is a remake on steroids

Movie Title:     Point Break (2015)

Grade:  B-

Rating:  PG-13, 1 hour 53 minutes

In a Nutshell:   In the words of Keanu Reeves from the original 1991 Point Break hit, “Whoa.”   The stunts in this film are EXTREME.  In an effort to appeal to more audiences than just surfers, this remake is an ode to extreme sport “poly-athletes” with a little “eco-warrior” bank robbing mixed in for good measure.   

Leading man Luke Bracey’s Rotten Tomatoes movie rating has never been higher than 35% and is only receiving a 7% with this film, despite his hotness score.  Poor guy.  His character is conflicted and so are audiences.

Uplifting theme: 

• “Ideas can be powerful.” – Johnny (Luke Bracey)
• “If not ideas, what else is there?” – Johnny

“Action.” – Samsara (Teresa Palmer)

• “You choose your path.” – Samsara
• “We can only be responsible for our own path, brother.” – Bodhi
• Honor the forces of nature.
• “The man that pushes the boundaries tends to break.” - Bodhi   

Things I liked:

• You will see some gorgeous sites from around the world.  The aerial views are stunning.  
• Ericson Core must have been drinking a lot of Red Bull while directing this adrenaline rush of a movie. You feel your body tense up when they’re doing extreme sports.  A few times, you'll even jump out of your seat.
• Even though Johnny finds Onno Ozaki and his teachings on Wikipedia, Warner Brothers has confirmed that the legendary teacher who inspired their crazy heists on different continents is pure fiction.
• If you enjoy this film, check out the 1991 original hit starring Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves.  The new movie is that, but on steroids.
• Most of the sets look very real, although there are a few noticeable CGI moments that look stupid and fake.   
• Someone tell me if it's really true that you can surf in the middle of the ocean, like the movie showcases in Birratz, France.  That was crazy awesome.

Things I didn’t like:

• In the original movie, the main character had to learn how to surf, so he felt fear and then elation when he conquered the sport.  In this film, the star is already an expert in every sport, so there is no character growth or discovery.  He is conflicted, but you don't get to watch him go through an emotional journey, like Keanu Reeves did in the first Point Break.
• I couldn’t understand most of what Pascal Al Fariq (Nikoli Kinski) said.
• Lots and lots of tattoos.  Ha ha
• There is some Spanish spoken, but no subtitles.  Don’t worry.  It’s not much.
• If you’re afraid of heights, some of the scenes will make you queasy.  If you love the thrill, see this in 3D if you can.
• Bodhi (Edgar Ramirez) spouts off all kinds of supposedly wise sayings, but he's sadly misguided.
• The ending had more impact when Patrick Swayze did it.
• SPOILER ALERT:  It's pretty dumb the supposed enlightened search for nirvana leads to suicide.
• Sure, the people loved Robin Hood, but he was still a thief.  Just because you give away some of the money you steal, doesn't mean it's OK.  I hope young audience goers don't emulate Bodhi's morality or dangerous stunts.

Funny lines:

•  “If a tree falls in the forest and no one puts it on YouTube, did it really happen?” – Bodhi

Interesting lines:

• “I see a lot of taking on the way to enlightenment.  What’s being given back?” – Johnny Utah
• “You have to reach the point.” – Chowder (Tobias Santelmann)

“What point?” – Johnny

“The point right before you break.” – Chowder”

• “Nature will always find a way to make you feel small.” Samsara
• “This is how the FBI works.  Generally, it’s dirty, it’s pedestrian, and it’s down-right boring.” – Angelo Pappas (Ray Winstone)
• “You’re going to steal it?” – Johnny

“No, we’re going to liberate it.” – Bodhi

• “Bodhi doesn’t see these as crimes.  He sees them as offerings.” – Johnny
• “It’s ugly.” – Johnny

“Ugly is what we do, son.” – FBI Instructor Hall (Delroy Lindo)

• “We’re all going to die.  The only question is how.” – Bodhi
• “We’re not trying to reach nirvana, but to try to save this place by becoming one with it.” – Bodhi

The Ozaki 8:

1. Emerging force
2. Birth of sky
3. Awakening earth
4. Life of water
5. something Asian-sounding
6. something profound
7. something I couldn't catch
8. something written on a chalkboard

Tips for parents:   

• These are not role models for your kids.  They participate in VERY extreme sports where most people would die.  Cool?  Yes, but safe for your kids to try?  Absolutely not.  (Hey, I’m a mother.  What did you think I was going to say about this film?)
• There is a cliché sex scene on furs.  You only see some skin and kissing for about 15 seconds.
• Some profanity and lots of partying.
• Hand-to-hand combat and violence with firearms.
• "Enlightened" people committing lots of crimes.