Revamped 'Road House' Rides the Nostalgia Wave with a Modern Twist

The classic movie "Road House" has always been a guilty pleasure for many, constantly playing on cable TV. Patrick Swayze's role as the wise bouncer, delivering memorable lines like "Pain don't hurt," has contributed to its enduring popularity. Now, a new version of the film, 35 years later, is available on Amazon. This time, Jake Gyllenhaal stars as a reluctant fighter with more personal baggage, offering a mix of entertainment, silliness, and intense violence.

In this updated version, Gyllenhaal's character, Dalton, is given a first name, and his job is not limited to just cleaning up bars. Surprisingly, no one directly mentions to him that they expected someone larger, considering his reputation.

Instead, the tired ex-mixed martial arts fighter is asked to help out with a big job by the new owner of a bar in the Florida Keys. She wants to clean up the place and make it successful.

Although hesitant at first, Dalton eventually agrees to take on the task. He proves himself to be someone you definitely don't want to mess with.

"Before we get started, do you have insurance?" he asks a group of motorcycle-riding troublemakers before swiftly taking care of them, reminiscent of a scene in "Captain America: The Winter Soldier."

Unfortunately, "Road House" may have reached its peak there. It starts to incorporate elements from the previous movie, such as the conveniently attractive emergency-room doctor (played by Daniela Melchior from "The Suicide Squad") who Dalton refers a lot of business to, and the typical villain (Billy Magnussen) who is determined to push out The Road House's owner to gain control of the property.

There is also a muscle-for-hire character brought in to handle Dalton when the locals can't handle the job. This character is portrayed by UFC champion Conor McGregor. McGregor brings a strong physical presence to the role, but his acting skills are still developing, even when delivering tough-guy lines with confidence.

Video Ad Feedback

Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor McGregor in 'Road House'

01:24

• Source:

Director Doug Liman, known for movies like "The Bourne Identity" with Matt Damon, brings his dynamic style to the fight scenes in this movie, making them fast and intense. Actor Gyllenhaal, who got in shape for the role, adds a touch of wit to his character. However, his character's inner conflict and attempt to control his vengeful side may seem cliché, but it doesn't really affect the overall story.

The movie "Road House" mirrors the appeal of the original but falls short of matching it fully. Despite the nostalgia factor, the film could have had the potential to exceed expectations at the box office, similar to Dalton's ability to punch above his weight class.

Director Doug Liman expressed disappointment publicly about the decision to release the movie directly on Amazon's Prime Video. This choice likely resulted in missed opportunities for greater financial success, as highlighted in Liman's oped piece for Deadline.

Similar to the 1989 version, "Road House" becomes increasingly absurd towards the end as Dalton takes on the challenge of cleaning up the entire lawless town. However, the picturesque setting offers a more visually appealing climax compared to simply breaking into the villain's house.

Rebooting any movie always comes with the challenge of keeping what fans loved about the original while adding new elements to it. In the case of "Road House", the film manages to achieve this to some extent, especially for its target audience. However, it is important to note that appearing bigger and actually being bigger are not always the same thing.

"Road House" will be available for streaming on Amazon's Prime Video starting on March 21. It has been given an R rating.

Editor's P/S:

The new "Road House" remake starring Jake Gyllenhaal brings a fresh take on the classic 1989 film while retaining its essence. Gyllenhaal's Dalton carries the same charisma and wit as Patrick Swayze's character, but with a deeper personal struggle. The film successfully blends entertainment, silliness, and intense violence, capturing the spirit of the original. However, it falls short of matching the iconic status of its predecessor, despite its impressive performances and stylish fight scenes.

Director Doug Liman's decision to release the film directly on Amazon Prime Video may have limited its potential for box office success. While the film delivers on nostalgia and action, it could have benefited from a wider theatrical release to reach a larger audience. The film's over-the-top elements towards the end, while entertaining, may not appeal to all viewers. Nevertheless, "Road House" remains a solid remake that respects the original while offering a unique twist for fans of the genre.