Doug Liman’s latest film “Road House” is a remake of the original 1989 film by the same name. In this current version, the base of the story remains the same as the overall goal is that the handsome and muscular bouncer steps in to save a roadhouse from a big bad entrepreneur and his gang.
The lead role of Elwood Dalton is played by Jake Gyllenhaal, a former UFC fighter who falls on hard times and finds a place to hide by working in the Florida Keys as a bouncer at the roadhouse, while also trying to battle his own inner demons.
While working to save the roadhouse, fights are fought, lessons are learned, love is made, and a lot of people get what they have coming to them. It’s your typical I fight you, you fight me, we all fight them action-packed movie with sprinkles of humor and fun mixed in.
Compared to the original film, the remake can stand alone as few elements are brought over from the original source material. Liman’s approach to his retelling of the story is jam-packed with a rush of adrenaline every time a new action sequence comes into play. With several exciting and creative fight scenes, Liman adds a greater level of intensity to the fights from what we witnessed in the original film as well as an interesting take in adding Conor McGregor as the main villain, Knox. You either love him or you hate him but you will need to decide for yourself on that one. Speaking of Conor McGregor, I know everyone has to start somewhere in regard to acting or any other professional role you can think of, but my goodness does his acting performance fumble in the very beginning! The very moment he appears on screen, you know it’s not going to end well.
When it comes to the side characters such as Frankie and Ellie or even the side-side characters that work at the roadhouse, all are quite enjoyable. Sure, they don’t get as much screen time as our main protagonist and antagonist, but they sure give it they’re all and bring a little extra personality to the movie. Adding in characters such as Frankie, Ellie and the crew, allows for thoughtful and sweet moments that intertwine with the heavier moments of the story we’re following.
Jake Gyllenhaal had definitely spent many hours in the gym preparing for this role as his physique is prime and his muscles are pumped for this exciting performance. Gyllenhaal brings action and humor to the role, allowing his portrayal as Dalton to be a bit goofy yet ready to roll when needed. He brings charm and enthusiasm to the table, yet we also get deeper glimpses into who he is or was, through various flashbacks that reflect the demons he has fighting in his head. In many ways, we are left wondering if Elwood Dalton is fighting to start a new life down a new path or if he is fighting to escape the actions of his past.
“Road House” is a fun and exciting action B-movie, from the actors to the unique camerawork scattered throughout the film. It’s not something that’ll blow your socks off but it will surely entertain you and leave you wondering where Elwood Dalton will end up next. If you are looking for something that could potentially be nominated for best picture, then you’re in the wrong place for that; however, it is a film worth checking out, if nothing more than to compare it to your thoughts on the original.