Keanu Reeves Actually Worked With Patrick Swayze Years Before Point Break
Both Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze have had prolific acting careers in Hollywood. Early in his career, Swayze starred in such blockbuster hits as "The Outsiders," "Ghost," "Dirty Dancing," and "Road House," often playing either the tough guy, the love interest, or sometimes both. Reeves, on the other hand, has played a wide variety of roles, from a goofus named Ted in "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" to reality-bending Neo in "The Matrix" franchise. What's true for both actors is that they achieved stardom in the '80s and '90s, and, as a result, their onscreen paths have crossed more than once.
At one point, the two men worked together on "Point Break," the 1991 Kathryn Bigelow-directed film that has become an oft-referenced, cult hit within the action genre in the years since its release. But did you know that "Point Break" wasn't the first time the two actors had shared the spotlight in a film? A few years earlier in their respective careers, Reeves and Swayze also teamed up for a sports-themed drama starring another huge '80s heartthrob that you may not have heard of — until now.
Both actors had roles in the Canadian hockey film Youngblood
"Youngblood" (via IMDb) is a 1986 film starring Rob Lowe. In the feature, Lowe plays Dean Youngblood, a young man who dreams of playing hockey, despite the fact that his family doesn't support him and he lacks the physical prowess of the average hockey player. Then again, when has that ever stopped anybody from achieving their dreams in an inspiring sports film? And while "Youngblood" is centered on this familiar trope, there are plenty more clichéd story turns peppered throughout it.
Although Lowe was the star of the show, Swayze plays the heel of the hockey team, Derek Sutton. At one point, Derek and the rest of the players haze Youngblood in ways that have aged very poorly over the years and would probably result in a criminal conviction. Reeves plays Heaver, a smaller comedic relief role. The character is a fellow hockey player with an outrageous French accent.
"Youngblood" is nearly impossible to find these days — unless you happen to find it in the bargain bin at a mythological Blockbuster location that's still open, your uncle's old collection of VHS tapes, or Amazon. The film's relegation to the lower depth might have something to do with its lack of critical success (via Rotten Tomatoes) or the fact that it was made before Lowe, Swayze, and Reeves got serious momentum in their careers. Either way, if you're hankering to see the two men in a movie together but hate surfing, "Youngblood" might be a good flick for you to watch.