Road House (2024) - Jake Gyllenhaal's Stoic Lessons

 

So yesterday I watched Road House (2024) and decided to review it. 

I've bifurcated the review into 5 points viz.

• The OG
• The Storyline
• The Cast
• Verdict
• Trivia 

The same is available on my YouTube Channel APWC

Do check it out by clicking on the link. (Review)

 

1) The OG

Patrick Swayze's Road house which released in 1989 is a cult classic.

But to be honest, I watched it because Jake Gyllenhaal's Road house was releasing.

You see the irony.... watched the OG because of the reboot. wow

Anyways, there are multiple reasons why Road house became a cult classic.

The storyline was pretty new but follows a certain trope towards the 2nd half.

The action sequences were good.

In fact, the way Patrick portrayed a stoic, calm, composed guy amidst the chaos might have been the highlight.

There's some accidental nudity which I don't know whether it was common in such films back in the 80s but thankfully they aren't there in the remake.

And I'm genuinely happy for that, apart from Conor McGregor's ass...which obliviously was not on my 2024 watchlist.

Anyways, now that we have addressed the elephant in the room, let’s move on to the

 

2) The Storyline

Ex-UFC fighter takes up a job as a bouncer at a Florida Keys roadhouse, only to discover that there's more to this than meets the eye.

There's a minor change in the story apart from that everything is almost similar to the OG.

The inclusion of UFC was something new and I couldn't have guessed that part because the OG doesn't really delve into Dalton's Past.

Doug Liman the director who has directed The Bourne Identity, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Edge of Tomorrow, American Made and many more knew exactly what he is trying to recreate.

 

3) The Cast

Jake Gyllenhaal as Elwood Dalton is in great form. He just elevates the film with his crisp action and stoic personality but you do occasionally miss Patrick Swayze.

Also, the dedication to bulk and build that physique of a UFC fighter is just commendable.

Patrick Swayze wasn't that bulky and that was addressed in the movie as well.

This is a Film debut of Conor McGregor and he did remind me of Saif Ali khan for some reason.

and I don't know whether that's a good thing or a bad thing.

 

The neon posters of the remaining cast looks so cool. 

Daniela Melchior plays the love interest of Dalton who just like the OG is a Doc

But to be honest (TBH) Kelly Lynch in the OG was heavenly.

I did miss Wade Garrett's character but his absence was never felt in this film.

It's already so stacked what else can you expect. Also recreating Wade's character would've been a tough job

 

4) Verdict

Some might disagree but I can give ⭐⭐⭐/5 stars for the Road house.

Descent remake, Tight screenplay, doesn't waver too much from the subject.

Dabbles in the past of Dalton which was missing in the OG.

The ending fight choreography is brilliant but the camera angles could have been better.

I could somehow sense that they were trying for a one-shot action sequence which would've elevated the entire sequence but unfortunately, they didn't.

A Missed opportunity I must say.

Anyways, I do completely agree with Anmol's tweet from Tried and refused productions. It definitely falls under the genre of "So bad yet feels good".

It has its flaws, it has its fallacies but once the movie ends, you don't feel like you've wasted 2 hrs. which in my opinion is important.

Also, don't miss the post credit scene of Conor McGregor if you want to see his tushy again.

Now, it’s time for some trivia.

4) Trivia

There was sequel to the 1989 OG Road House titled Road House 2 which was released in 2006 in a direct to video format and frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.

Such a good classic film never deserved a sequel that too with a new cast.

Cash grabbing techniques 101.

Amazon and MGM Studios had a merger and this led to a direct OTT release for Road House. Director Doug Liman and Jake Gyllenhaal who have worked so hard for the film expected a theatrical release and openly revolted against the studio’s decision for an OTT release.

Nowadays OTT does have a larger reach than theatre release and I can understand Amazon's decision but just like Apple tv + they could've a limited theatrical release. Just saying

Coming to the remake, some of the scenes related to Dalton's past were filmed during the event of UFC 285 which had got leaked and Jake's physique was showcased.

This I think was the best PR, as those leaks itself had got me hyped up and maybe that's why I watched it.

Comment down your thoughts on Road House - The OG as well the Remake