Point Break

"The only law that matters is gravity."

Apparently this is true, seeing as the law of film making drifted slowly and painfully out of the window. Let me start by saying, I have never seen the original Point Break. Yes, I know, smack my wrists. So this review will be from a perspective that doesn't take the original into account.

When Johnny Utah (Luke Bracey), an extreme sports hero, joins the fBI, the perfect case falls at his feet. A group of high octane daredevils committing crimes for the gain of others. The group is lead by Bohdi (Èdgar Ramìrez) and actually delivers his performance very well. Bohdi pursues the "Osaki Eight" which is eight extremes of various sports that "honour the forces of nature" and Utah has to prove himself to become part of the crew and stop the next crime. Ray Winstone made an appearance as Pappas, but isn't really worth talking about. He did make an exceptional chauffeur though.

I'm not one for giving too much story away, but I'm in luck because there was probably less story than there were credits. It's predictable plot turns and poor delivery allow you to drop focus and emotion for the characters. So when they are risking their lives, there's no attachment to them, losing any thrill.

So the film was saved by the stunt scenes? You'd think... unfortunately only a few were worth not blinking for. I was hoping this film would play out like a long Red Bull commercial, but there were a few scenes spoiled by poor CGI. This was only enhanced in 3D. The first surfing scene, the mounting climbing and the opening scene, all very thrilling. Great camera work, powerful settings and real life feel. The rest felt more distant. When the CGI looks like CGI, it takes the edge off of the moment. Nothing more so than the poor ending. Two guys on a stormy ocean, with 100ft waves, yet stand perfectly still to have a chat. Didn't feel very extreme.

I'm not really harsh on films, always trying to find the good in them. This had its moments with some very brave stunts. But I don't think you can drop story for a moment. It's essential to capture your audience. It's quickly forgettable, and that's such a shame for a film that was set up to be everything a good film should be.

Guess I'd better buy the original to see where Ericson Core went wrong.