In the new Doug Liman film Road House, based on the 1989 film of the same name starring the late Patrick Swayze, we get a modern take on a classic story about a good guy hired to get rid of some bad guys.
In this film taking over Swayze’s role is actor Jake Gyllenhaal, who plays Dalton, an ex-UFC fighter with a dark past. During a fighting match, he’s spotted by Frankie (Jessica Williams), who sees that he’s exactly what she needs. He’s got the physique and skills to take on a bouncer gig over at the Road House — a local bar she owns.
Each and every night there are unruly groups of intoxicated patrons stirring up fights in her establishment. This activity is not random but is orchestrated by Brandt (Billy Magnussen), a local crime boss in the Florida Keys who wants the establishment for himself. When Frankie hires Dalton to become the new bouncer of the Road House, this sets the stage for a series of misadventures, action-packed fight sequences, and some kooky one-liners that I’m sure will become viral memes on social media.
Going into this film, it’s pretty clear that Liman’s movie isn’t trying to take itself seriously. The most over-the-top characters are the villains, and at times their dialogue sounds like something out of an animated TV show. However, that’s what gives this movie its own identity of poking self-aware fun. There are even times you kind of want to root for the bad guy because he’s too entertaining for his own good.
Road House is also a film that you have to get right when it comes to good bar fights and creating flawless fight choreography. The fight sequences felt so authentic that hearing the sounds of fists hitting flesh made me cringe. At times, I thought, “Ouch, did that hurt?” It’s pretty clear that Gyllenhaal gave every bit of what he had into this performance. The extensive training prep that went into this role really paid off. His abs also felt like a supporting character in this movie and should have at least got a mention in the film’s credits for an important role.
Aside from the wild ride of punching bad guys in roadhouse bars, there is a compelling underlying story that connects many of these characters. We later meet Ellie (Daniela Melchior), who serves as a romantic interest for Dalton. There’s an interesting dynamic between the two as they get to know each other; they hold up guarded walls to protect secrets of their own that they carry.
Dalton’s past (which isn’t really a secret to anyone) haunts him incessantly, to where he’s become a different man after leaving the UFC. Dalton is careful, meticulous, and precise with how he approaches a situation. In fact, he’s that way when he’s in a fight with someone. Gyllenhaal balances this perfectly in his approach to the character. He’s able to carry the duality of this man who has become hardened by his past but has moments where you see a softness and gentleness, which is likely the core of who he’s always been.
The man who has come in to shake all of that up is an audacious character called Knox (Conor McGregor). In McGregor’s feature film debut, he comes out swinging as this reckless assassin hired to get rid of Dalton. McGregor, a real life MMA fighter and former UFC champion, definitely had the look, aesthetic, and fighting skills to be what Knox represents. As for his acting skills, they weren’t exactly up to par. It was 2-dimensional, and his one-liners didn’t land as they should have because he didn’t have the acting chops to deliver the line the way it was intended. But I honestly don’t expect Oscar-worthy performances out of a movie like Road House. I just want the action and moments of humor, which was exactly what was served.
Speaking of humor, Jessica Williams’ delivers some great scenes as Frankie, who is someone you don’t want to mess with, giving us the dose of levity we need when moments get intense. There’s also Moe, a lackey who works for Brandt and is surrounded by tough guys even though he is far from being anything like his colleagues. He’s corny, but there’s an odd kind of charm to it.
Which is ultimately what this film is: corny, yet charming. It leans into the campiness of it all and isn’t afraid to make fun of itself. This is exactly what a good popcorn movie is all about: explosions, vapid catchphrases and characters brimming with sex appeal. If you want to see a film that is here to entertain you while you watch some MMA action, Road House will definitely be your cup of tea. And who knows, Jake Gyllenhaal’s abs might soon be campaigning for “Best Abs in an Action Film.” (For a glimpse, check out the trailer.)
Road House made its world premiere at the 2024 SXSW TV and Film Festival and will be available to stream on Prime Video March 21.
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