“Point Break” (1991) directed by Kathryn Bigelow, starring Patrick Swayze & Keanu Reeves / Z-View

Point Break (1991)

Director: Kathryn Bigelow

Screenplay: W. Peter Iliff from a story by Rick King, W. Peter Iliff

Stars: Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey, Lori Petty, John C. McGinley, James Le Gros, John Philbin, Bojesse Christopher, Julian Reyes, Daniel Beer, Chris Pedersen, Anthony Kiedis, Lee Tergesen and Christopher Pettiet.

Tagline:  27 banks in three years. Anything to catch the perfect wave!

The Plot…

Johnny Utah (Reeves), a rookie FBI agent, is assigned to a task force assembled to bring down a gang of bank robbers dubbed “The Ex-Presidents”.  They earned their nickname because each member of the crew wears the mask of, you guessed it, an ex-president.  The Ex-Presidents have successfully hit 27 banks over a period of three years.  They leave few clues and are in and out within 90 seconds.

The leader of the FBI task force, Pappas (Busey) believes that the Ex-Presidents may be surfers.  Pappas gets clearance for Utah to go undercover.  Soon Utah befriends a charismatic surfer named Bhodi (Swayze).  Bhodi’s crew distrusts Utah at first, but begins to warm to him when they see he’s as much of an adrenaline-junkie as they are.  As their friendship develops, Utah begins to suspect Bhodi and his crew are the Ex-Presidents.  Loyalties are about to be tested…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Patrick Swayze did his own skydiving and surfing for the film.

Point Break was Keanu Reeves first action movie.  Kathryn Bigelow wanted Reeves for the Johnny Utah role.  The studio wanted a higher profile star.  Stars considered included Johnny Depp, Val Kilmer, Willem Dafoe, Charlie Sheen and Matthew Broderick.

Kathryn Bigelow’s next feature film following Point Break was Strange Days which is another excellent film!

Point Break (1991) rates 5 of 5 stars.