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'I watch it to be close to him': why Point Break is my feelgood movie
The latest in our ongoing series of writers looking back on their most rewatched comfort films is a tribute to an action classic that also defined an important friendship
TL;DR
- The author's friendship with Gary was deeply intertwined with the movie Point Break, marked by frequent quote-filled text messages.
- Point Break's narrative follows FBI rookie Johnny Utah going undercover to infiltrate a gang of surfer bank robbers known as the Ex-Presidents.
- The film is praised for its dynamic action set pieces, including bank heists, a house raid, a foot chase, and skydiving sequences.
- A central theme is the intense bromance between Johnny Utah and the surfer leader Bodhi, characterized by shared adrenaline and a unique bond.
- The author notes how he and contemporary critics initially missed the homoerotic subtext of the relationship between Johnny and Bodhi.
- The film's philosophy of living authentically and embracing the human spirit resonated with the author, especially as he navigated adult responsibilities.
- The author finds solace in rewatching Point Break after the death of his best friend, Gary, using the movie as a way to feel close to him.
- The 2016 remake is dismissed in favor of the original film.