Road House – A Solid Remake That Stands On Its Own

Road House is a remake of the 1989 cult classic Patrick Swayze film of the same name that follows a similar story to the original but this time around centers on a man named Elwood Dalton (Gyllenhaal), an ex-UFC fighter who takes a job as a bouncer as at a Florida Keys roadhouse, only to discover that this paradise isn’t all it’s cracked out to be. Getting a mixed response from critics and audiences, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise considering how highly regarded and beloved the original was and still is to many audiences. While it doesn’t top the original or deliver near the same type of cheesy thrills, it is still a complete blast that more than stands on its own.

Gyllenhaal as Dalton and is ultimately the best thing about the film. He does a great job at paying respect to Swayze while making the role his own and adding his own unique flavour to it. Gyllenhaal perfectly balances Dalton’s charming and good natured side with his more brutal, ruthless, and even psychotic side, making his version all the more entertaining to watch. Either way, it’s cool to see both those sides when Gyllenhaal usually plays one or the other. McGregor doesn’t exactly give a good performance as Knox, but he honestly works with the tone the film is going for, and if audiences can put aside their feelings about him, he’s a lot of fun to watch. While he might not have much of a career as an actor outside of this, he’s perfectly suited for these types of roles. Meanwhile, there are a lot of other recognizable actors in the supporting cast who all look to be having a great time here regardless of whether their roles were big or small. Outside of Gyllenhaal and McGregor, Billy Magnussen is a standout as the film’s villain. Ben Brandt may be a little one note, but he brings a lot of menace and quiet intimidation to the role.

The fights and action sequences have already received a fair share of warranted complaints and criticism, but outside of some shaky cam and the completely unnecessary CGI and digital effects that are added for whatever reason, they deliver big time and only get grander as the film moves along which might also bother some audiences. They are definitely at their best when the film keeps things small and contained, however, the fights and action sequences are all pretty impressive to watch especially the ones between Gyllenhaal and McGregor. The film also changes quite a few things from the original while still maintaining the central story and themes. While the changes here worked for the most part, creating a more modern version of this story, especially with the addition of its UFC elements, diehard fans of the original will likely be disappointed by what it leaves out.

As for flaws, let’s be honest, Road House is pretty dumb, silly, ridiculous, over-the-top, and far from perfect. Daniela Melchior is a really talented actress whose made a nice career for herself over the last few years, but the romantic subplot between her, as Ellie, and Dalton didn’t need to be here whatsoever. While they have good chemistry, the pacing comes to a screeching halt whenever that subplot takes up valuable screen time to the point that she feels forced by the third act. Getting increasingly ridiculous by the second half, the film then hits a point in the third act where it simply becomes too much. However, the final fight and ending nearly make up for it and help end it on a strong note. Though not necessarily a complaint with the film itself but it’s absolutely crazy that it did not get a theatrical release. Not only is it designed for audiences, it would play well with a crowd as there is an audience for it.

In the end, the new Road House won’t be winning any awards and won’t have nearly the same lasting impact as the original, but as far as remakes go, it is one of the better ones in recent memory and one that arguably improve aspects of the story for people who don’t love the 80’s film.

still courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios

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Connor Carey

www.connorsmoviereviews.com/