What’s it About
An ex-UFC fighter Dalton (Jake Gyllenhaal) takes a job as a bouncer at a Florida Keys roadhouse, only to discover that this paradise is not all it seems. A remake of the Patrick Swayze 1989 version that took place in Jasper, Missouri and starred Sam Elliot and Ben Gazara
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
Road House 2024 takes the original’s vibe, throws it in a blender, and hits puree. Remember the 1989 classic where Patrick Swayze was this zen warrior with a killer mullet, working as a cooler and ripping throats? This 2024 version with Jake Gyllenhaal has decided to ditch the whole “inner peace” act and just go full throttle on the chaos. Gyllenhaal is playing Dalton, but this ain’t your mom’s Dalton. He’s this jacked, down-on-his-luck ex-UFC fighter dealing with some serious guilt for knocking someone out permanently in the ring. He’s living out of his car, smiling through the pain, until this random Frankie (played by Jessica Williams) hits him with a job at her bar in the Florida Keys. And when Dalton finally snaps, it’s more of a “hell yea” moment than an “oh no” crisis. The movie doesn’t even pretend to philosophize. It knows we’re here for the smash and crash, not deep thoughts. And honestly, it works. It’s like the movie looked at the original’s cult status and went, “Cool story, bro,” then did its own thing. This version is less about paying homage and more about diving headfirst into MMA culture, with Conor McGregor playing the bad guy Knox and, honestly, killing it in the role. But here’s the thing: even though it’s trading on MMA’s rep, the movie doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s like watching a cartoon where the characters should be wrecked but walk off with a scratch. And Gyllenhaal? He proves he still has it, especially when playing these offbeat characters. He makes Dalton this oddball hero who’s as likely to make you laugh as he is to throw a punch. Like, there’s a scene where he’s been stabbed and just deals with it like he’s annoyed but not injured – Classic. The storyline does its job, setting up this showdown with the bad guys over Frankie’s bar. McGregor, as Knox, is this over-the-top villain you can’t help but watch. The final showdown is as outrageous as it is entertaining, striking this weird balance between vicious and hilarious. So, what’s the verdict? This “Road House” remake isn’t trying to be a scene-for-scene tribute. It’s its own beast, aiming to make you laugh more than make you think. With a cast that’s nailing their roles and action that keeps you hooked, it’s a solid watch. Don’t come looking for some profound messages. Just be ready for a wild ride that knows exactly what it is – a fun, chaotic, surprisingly entertaining mess.
OUR RATING – A THROWBACK 8