My quick rating - 5.9/10. I don't care what anyone says, the original Road House with Patrick Swayze is a classic, a mix of gritty action, memorable one-liners, and a surprisingly charming storyline that makes it a staple of 80s cinema. So, when I heard about the 2024 remake, I was curious to see if it could capture even a fraction of that original magic. This new iteration stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Dalton, an ex-UFC fighter who takes on the role of a bouncer at a roadhouse in the Florida Keys. The setting is picturesque, but as Dalton soon discovers, this paradise has a dark underbelly. Let’s start with the positives. Gyllenhaal delivers a solid performance, bringing a level of charisma and intensity to the role that makes his version of Dalton entertaining to watch. You can tell he’s enjoying the part, and that enthusiasm translates well on screen. His performance is the highlight of the film and helps keep it afloat during its rougher patches. On the other hand, Conor McGregor's involvement is a different story. His portrayal feels more like a caricature than a character. He stomps around the screen, spouting cringe-worthy one-liners that fall flat. It's clear that acting isn't his strong suit, and his scenes often detract from the overall experience. His performance could have used a lot more villain and a lot less troll. One of the biggest letdowns of this remake is the lack of focus on the roadhouse itself. In the original, much of the charm came from watching Dalton clean up the bar, bringing order to chaos while dealing with the various unsavory characters who came through the doors. Here, the film spends too little time in the actual bar, missing out on what made the original so enjoyable. While I wasn't blown away by this remake, it did entertain me enough to start questioning just how good the first one actually was. It’s not a bad movie, but it struggles to capture the unique likeability that made the original a cult classic. I just felt like this remake was a mixed bag. Gyllenhaal's strong performance is almost enough to carry the film, but it's weighed down by McGregor's laughable acting and a script that doesn't fully embrace what made the original so beloved. If you're a fan of the original, you might find some enjoyment here but don't expect it to live up to the legacy of Patrick Swayze's Dalton.
Comments