(1991)

BIG KAHUNAS Keanu Reeves, Patrick Swayze

THE STORY Green FBI agent Johnny Utah (Reeves, above, with Swayze) is sent to the beach to infiltrate the Former Presidents of the USA, a surf gang suspected of knocking over several local banks. Utah recruits surf guru Bodhi (Swayze), who teaches him that surfing is more than just a job -- it's a way of life.

BEST SCENE Local beach toughs (including Red Hot Chili Pepper Anthony Kiedis) open up a can of whoop-ass on Utah as he tries to invade their turf. Semi-competent martial-arts moves are enhanced by the odd flying longboard.

FAR-OUT CAMEO Gary Busey goes back to the beach as Utah's G-man compadre.

WHY WE DIG IT Surfing as a plot device for a conventional cops-and-robbers story is surprisingly engaging. Plus, watching Reeves attempt to emote as a blissed-out Swayze proselytizes is nothing short of bad-acting movie magic.