Reviving the 1980s classic for a modern audience, Amazon MGM Studios brings raw action back to cinemas with Road House. In production for nearly a decade, the lead role was originally set for Ronda Rousey, but various real-world complications caused that to fall through. After being shelved for half a decade, the film was revisited in 2021 with Doug Liman as director and Jake Gyllenhaal as lead. Finally on track, Road House was ready to come together.
Running from his past, drifter Elwood Dalton (Jake Gyllenhaal) makes his money from underground fighting. After being given an opportunity to do some good, Dalton finds himself in the Florida Keys defending a roadhouse aptly named, Road House. After making his mark within the town, Dalton finds himself over his head as town secrets become uncovered. Choosing between his life and the town, he faces the question of who he is and what he is willing to do.
Road House is a fun action flick but fails to uphold the charm and uniqueness of the original. The story is unoriginal, even going as far as referencing that it is just retelling an older action movie archetype. While the action is mildly entertaining, the should-have-been realistic fight scenes are replaced with rubbery, comic-book-esque CGI, causing the stakes to feel non-existent. Akin to recent Fast & Furious entries, Road House is the Saturday morning cartoon of modern films.
Though Gyllenhaal consistently delivers a captivating performance, his loner personality creates a difficult character to connect to. Walking a thin line between humble hero and unhinged combatant, his interpretation of Dalton leaves a far different experience than his predecessor. Unfortunately, Gyllenhaal fails to produce any sparks with love interest Daniela Melchior as he turns Dalton's stoicism to 11, leaving little believability to their romance. Although Billy Magnussen is the main villain, McGregor instantly steals the show in his feature film debut, causing every other performance to pale against his rivalry with Gyllenhaal.
Though it isn't perfect, Road House is a fun ride. Held together by Gyllenhaal's wacky performance and McGregor's outlandish personality, the film fails to be noteworthy. Choosing style over substance, Road House delivers a hollow shell from what was once a classic. Fortunately, Road House is currently streaming on Amazon Prime and, while it isn't worth a trip to the movies, it's definitely worth checking out on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
Running from his past, drifter Elwood Dalton (Jake Gyllenhaal) makes his money from underground fighting. After being given an opportunity to do some good, Dalton finds himself in the Florida Keys defending a roadhouse aptly named, Road House. After making his mark within the town, Dalton finds himself over his head as town secrets become uncovered. Choosing between his life and the town, he faces the question of who he is and what he is willing to do.
Road House is a fun action flick but fails to uphold the charm and uniqueness of the original. The story is unoriginal, even going as far as referencing that it is just retelling an older action movie archetype. While the action is mildly entertaining, the should-have-been realistic fight scenes are replaced with rubbery, comic-book-esque CGI, causing the stakes to feel non-existent. Akin to recent Fast & Furious entries, Road House is the Saturday morning cartoon of modern films.
Though Gyllenhaal consistently delivers a captivating performance, his loner personality creates a difficult character to connect to. Walking a thin line between humble hero and unhinged combatant, his interpretation of Dalton leaves a far different experience than his predecessor. Unfortunately, Gyllenhaal fails to produce any sparks with love interest Daniela Melchior as he turns Dalton's stoicism to 11, leaving little believability to their romance. Although Billy Magnussen is the main villain, McGregor instantly steals the show in his feature film debut, causing every other performance to pale against his rivalry with Gyllenhaal.
Though it isn't perfect, Road House is a fun ride. Held together by Gyllenhaal's wacky performance and McGregor's outlandish personality, the film fails to be noteworthy. Choosing style over substance, Road House delivers a hollow shell from what was once a classic. Fortunately, Road House is currently streaming on Amazon Prime and, while it isn't worth a trip to the movies, it's definitely worth checking out on a lazy Saturday afternoon.