Jake Gyllenhaal's 'Road House' Revamp Packs a Punch but Misses the Mark

Jake Gyllenhaal s Road House Remake Is All Fight and No Fun

Amazon MGM Studios

Road House received a rating of 2.5 stars out of 4 from movie critic Mara Reinstein.

It is confirmed that the original Road House is not a masterpiece. The movie features Patrick Swayze as a bar bouncer from Missouri with a mullet and a penchant for violence. It is a mindless '80s film that is perfect for watching on a long flight to pass the time. Therefore, updating it to create something new and enjoyable for 2024 should not be a challenge.

The remake is so difficult to watch, even with a star like Jake Gyllenhaal in the lead role!

Maybe it's because of the predictable plot twists, one-dimensional characters, and distracting CGI. Or it could be the fact that the climax takes place far away from the roadhouse bar, on a speedboat in the water. But that's too simple. The real issue is that despite Gyllenhaal's captivating presence on screen (and his impressive abs), Road House ends up becoming too serious of a movie and expects the audience to treat it as such. Not cool!

In both versions, forget about the plot and just focus on the action. Jake Gyllenhaal plays Elwood Dalton, a former UFC middleweight whose career took a hit due to a shady incident. Post Malone even makes an appearance as one of his tough opponents. Enter Frankie (Jessica Williams), the owner of a roadhouse in the sunny Florida Keys called Road House. Unfortunately, her place is constantly being threatened by a group of motorcycle-riding troublemakers. She turns to Dalton for help, offering him a handsome salary of $20k a month.

Jake Gyllenhaal s Road House Remake Is All Fight and No Fun

Laura Radford/Prime Video

When Dalton first confronts the biker gang, it seems like a walk in the park. In a rare light-hearted moment, he casually inquires about their dental insurance and the nearest hospital before unleashing his fighting skills on them. (He even ends up driving them to the ER with a Beach Boys song playing on the radio.) However, he soon realizes they are just pawns in a larger scheme. The main villain, Ben Brandt (played by Billy Magnussen), is a powerful figure who is determined to take control of the Road House to please his incarcerated father and develop the property. In essence, he is portrayed as the typical obnoxious and controlling tech bro seen in many action movies.

Because Brandt has corrupted the local police and few would dare to care about greedy real-estate holdings in the Sunshine State, it’s up to Dalton to protect the Road House and save the town from all these bullies.

Dalton also finds time to fall for an ER doctor named Daniela Melchior, who strongly disapproves of his strong-arming tactics. However, their romance lacks chemistry and passion, with just a single kiss that serves no real purpose except to show that the tough bouncer is still dealing with some past trauma. It's a missed opportunity to fully utilize Gyllenhaal in his action-hero role.

Despite its status as a cult classic, Road House ’89 does have its flaws. The action scenes, while exciting and gritty, lack depth. Many of the fights seem artificial, created using advanced technology, and lack emotional impact. Surprisingly, Dalton, the protagonist, chooses to rely solely on his fists in combat, avoiding guns and knives. In this case, less is more. The film could do without the unnecessary explosions, crocodile attacks, and boat chases. Instead, it's more satisfying to watch Dalton confidently demonstrate his knowledge of human anatomy and disarm his opponents without using lethal force.

Jake Gyllenhaal s Road House Remake Is All Fight and No Fun

Laura Radford/Prime Video

Even the late appearance of Conor McGregor's character Knox in the second half couldn't bring much excitement to the rather mundane plot. The MMA fighter doesn't quite strike fear or come off as a caricature in his debut on the big screen; in all fairness, his character seems like a leftover from a Fast & Furious movie.

Road House recently caused a stir when director Doug Liman expressed his frustration over the decision to release the movie directly on Prime Video instead of in theaters. Liman, known for his work on popular films like Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Edge of Tomorrow, initially felt it was a misstep. But now, it all makes sense. So, don't feel bad if you missed it.

Catch Road House streaming on Prime Video starting Thursday, March 21.

Editor's P/S:

The remake of "Road House" has been met with mixed reviews, with some critics praising the action sequences while others criticizing the predictable plot and lack of emotional depth. While the original film is considered a cult classic, it is clear that the remake falls short of expectations.

The remake lacks the charm and fun of the original, and it fails to capture the spirit of the 1980s action film. The action sequences are well-executed, but they are not enough to save the film from its other flaws. The characters are one-dimensional, the plot is predictable, and the dialogue is wooden. Overall, "Road House" is a disappointing remake that fails to live up to the legacy of the original film. suggests that even those involved in its production recognized its shortcomings. Ultimately, Road House 2023 is a missed opportunity that fails to live up to the legacy of its predecessor or provide a satisfying action experience for viewers.