That’s what I always get when I extol the praises of John Boorman’s 1967 classic. “You mean that movie where Swayze and Keanu surf and shit?” No, not Point Break, you lunkheads, Point Blank.

It’s a simple enough story: Guy helps steal money, guy gets stiffed, guy gets pissed, and guy doesn’t stop until he gets his money. There you have it. If you think this sounds like the plot to any straight to DVD actioner, you won’t tick me off. It’s simple, but it’s soooo much more. Christ, I could slip into a pretentious strap-on and get into how this movie successfully blends a New Wave style with late ‘60s action, or get all in your face with those craaazy theories concerning Walker’s (Lee Marvin) actual physical state after the first ten minutes of the film. Hell, I could go on and on citing examples of how Walker was actually an “Avenging Angel” due to the fact that he directly caused not one single character’s death... but why bother. All the theories are out there and all the concepts should creep into your mind while digesting this dreamlike meal. No, you don’t need me to tell you that stuff. You’re smart enough to be able to take this film on all the levels for which it was intended; besides, it’s all been said before by many more articulate than myself. No. What I choose to do is simply list ten reasons why this movie is cool with a capital “OOL.”

Ready? Then let’s begin:

Lee Marvin’s long walk down the hall. That persistent “click clomp click” and the nonchalant way in which his hair flops ever so slightly with each step. Chills.

Slow motion gunfire, baby. Who cares that his gun wouldn’t kick like that… JUST LOOK AT THAT FUCKIN’ SHOT!!!

A “passage of time” sequence that literally leaves you rattling your head. If your brain doesn’t roll around the inside of your noggin like the last Tic-Tac, there’s no hope. Just stop watching.

The fight sequence in the club OWNS.

Angie Dickinson’s apparent allergy to bras.

Kick-ass names: Walker, Yost, Fredrick Carter, FUCKIN’ MAL REESE, Big John Stegman.

Angie Dickinson’s barrages of physical abuse upon “Walker the Wall.”

“You’re a very bad man, Walker...” What a great spaz, that Carrol O’Connor.

Check out this tagline: “There are two kinds of people in his up-tight world: his victims and his women. And sometimes you can't tell them apart.” How cool is THAT?!?

It spawned the remake Payback starring Mel Gibson. No. Wait. That’s pretty shitty, isn’t it? Let me try again.

You get all the New Wave style without all that annoying French to bother you.

Unless you are an obtuse boob, this film will be the coolest thing you ever saw in your life. Am I overselling it a bit? Perhaps, but if you get off on all that “666” nonsense from Pulp Fiction then get ready for the real deal.


How's It Look. Smart Guy?
Not one complaint out of me. It’s purdy. Anamorphic widescreen transferred with loving care. Solid blacks, clean picture, it almost makes me think that good movies ARE treated with respect when it comes to DVD releases. This is the way to see it.

How's It Sound, Ya Bum?
Some of you sound goons may turn your noses up at the 2.0 Dolby Digital mono this contains, and to you all I say, “Eat it, chumps.” If it ain’t broke, you know the rest. Not all movies need to be spruced up with sound technology that didn’t exist at the time of their original release, so back off. I mean, how much cooler would that clomping down the hall sequence have been in a 5.1 surround, anyway? Hmmm… pretty damned cool, actually. Oh well, at least we also get the option to hear the whole thing in a French 2.0 Dolby Digital mono. Wait, that’s bad too, isn’t it? Move on, Palmer. Just move on…

You Think I Just Wanted The Movie, Pal?
Not a whole lot, but what little there is gets more than made up for with the COMMENTARY. You get John Boorman and Steven Soderburgh with gloves removed and honesty galore. Some great stories, humorous anecdotes, admissions of plagiarism (The Limey…cough cough…) and more tidbits of info that all adds up to a reminder of why commentary tracks were included in the first place. A must.

Next, you get a two-part DOCUMENTARY on Alcatraz and the shooting of the movie in said location. Not really that spectacular, but it’s there.

Finally, the TRAILER

Bring Us On Home, Brother
Still cool after all these years, Point Blank holds up very nicely. A movie that holds such a special place in my heart, I think, due in part to the fact that it perplexes me to no end as to why this movie isn’t embraced by all those kids with their oversized Taxi Driver posters in their dorm and is equaled by the realization that I dig it all the more because of that fact. If you haven’t experiencing this movie, go do it NOW. Just don’t blame me the first time you suggest this movie to a friend and get “You mean that movie where Swayze robs a bank while wearing a President’s mask?”