Jake Gyllenhaal’s ‘Road House’ Revival Packs a
Punch Despite One Flaw
Summary
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Jake Gyllenhaal shines as ex-UFC powerhouse Elwood Dalton, seeking peace in rowdy Florida Keys roadhouse.
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Jessica Williams charms as witty bar owner Frankie, while Daniela Melchior adds a tender subplot.
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Billy Magnussen’s villain Ben Brandt challenges Dalton, leading to a high-stakes battle for the Road House.
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Director Doug Liman strikes a balance between campy allure and modern action, akin to Jason Statham.
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Conor McGregor’s casting as antagonist falls flat, bringing unwelcome seriousness to the film’s narrative.
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Despite this flaw, ‘Road House’ remains a compelling watch with strong performances and adept direction.
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An Amazon exclusive, the film offers an engaging rerun of a beloved classic with a modern twist.
The 2024 refresh of the classic ‘Road House’ presents Jake Gyllenhaal in the role of Elwood Dalton, an ex-UFC powerhouse turning over a new leaf in the Florida Keys, seeking peace in a rowdy roadhouse known charmingly as Road House. Owned by the witty Frankie, played by Jessica Williams, the bar becomes a battleground that Dalton is determined to pacify with his formidable yet restrained presence. His encounter with Ellie, a doctor portrayed by Daniela Melchior, introduces a tender subplot amidst the chaos.
However, tranquility is challenged when villain Ben Brandt, embodied by Billy Magnussen, targets the Road House with nefarious schemes, prompting Dalton to defend the establishment with both diplomacy and force. Directed by Doug Liman, the film strikes a balance between the original’s campy allure and modern high-stakes action, akin to a Jason Statham venture but with the added charisma of Gyllenhaal.
Yet, the film stumbles with the casting of Conor McGregor as the antagonist. Known more for his UFC achievements and controversial off-screen behavior, McGregor’s acting attempt brings an unwelcome seriousness to the film’s otherwise entertaining narrative. His portrayal, far removed from the light-hearted villainy expected in such a genre, detracts from the movie’s appeal.
Despite this hitch, ‘Road House’ remains a compelling watch, thanks to strong performances across the board and Liman’s adept direction. The film, an Amazon exclusive, proves it is cut out for the big screen, offering a mostly engaging rerun of a beloved classic.
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