Point Break
Point Break Overview
- Release Date: July 12th, 1991
Point Break is an action thriller directed by Kathryn Bigelow. It stars Keanu Reeves as FBI agent Johnny Utah and Gary Busey as his seasoned partner, Angelo Pappas. Together, they try to take down a group of surfers led by the charismatic Bodhi (Patrick Swayze), who are suspected of robbing banks to fund their extreme surfer lifestyle. The movie is known for its high-octane action scenes, including surfing, skydiving, and car chases.
It’s one of the more entertaining action movies of the 1990s, and it’s only grown on me over the years. The film features some incredible action sequences shot all over Los Angeles, and the use of presidential masks during the heists adds a memorable touch. Reeves and Swayze deliver entertaining performances, bringing just the right mix of intensity, fun, and Reeves’ trademark aloofness. Plus, there’s a cool cameo by Anthony Kiedis of LA’s own Red Hot Chili Peppers! Fun fact: his bandmate Flea also pops up in Culver City in The Big Lebowski.
Of course, a couple of the movie’s best scenes were filmed right here in Culver City. These include the bank heist with Gary Busey’s famous line, “Utah, get me two!”, and the subsequent car chase.
"Utah, Get Me Two!"
- Location: Main Street, Culver City
One of the best scenes in the film is shot on Culver Blvd and Main Street in downtown Culver City. Johnny (Reeves) and Angelo (Busey) are sitting in the car when Angelo declares, “It’s time for lunch!” Johnny points out reasonably that its 10:30 AM. Not to be dissuaded, Angelo asks Johnny to go across the street and get him two meatball sandwiches. As Johnny walks to the sub shop, Angelo yells out the famously improvised line, “Utah, get me two!”
The establishing shot has a clear view of 3849 Main Street, currently the home of Monty’s Good Burger. The car must have been parked on Culver Boulevard approximately where the Culver Steps are today.
I love how Angelo is reading “Calvin & Hobbs”. I also think Angelo’s reaction to the guy selling oranges is classic: “No. We got a lot.”
The building housing Larocco’s Pizzeria at 3819 Main Street put this awesome mural up a couple of years ago, commemorating Angelo (Busey) in all his glory. If anyone has any info on how this mural came to be, I’d love to learn more. Please post in the comments.
The scene continues with Johnny Utah going to pick up the meatball sandwiches. You can see Johnny turn right off of Culver Blvd and onto Main Street. The Culver Hotel can be seen behind Johnny
In the previous shot, you can see through the windows to both Culver Blvd and Main Street. I believe the sandwich shop must have been at 3850 Main Street where Piccalilli is today. I checked out their menu and, unfortunately, they don’t serve meatball sandwiches. It would be awesome if they added one to their happy hour menu as an homage.
If anyone knows what was here in 1991, and if they served meatball sandwiches, please leave a note in the comments!
The scene continues with Bodhi and the bank robbers leaving Assured Savings with their stolen loot. A car chase continues around Westfield Culver City mall. I’ll add that to the post, when I can make it over to the mall for some photos.
I hope you enjoyed the post!
