In Road House (2024), an ex-MMA fighter lands in trouble when he accepts the job of restoring order at a roadhouse. The movie is now streaming on Prime Video.
Story
Frankie, who runs a roadhouse called The Road House, has been dealing with some thugs and needs a fighter to protect her place.
During her search, she crosses paths with Elwood Dalton, a former MMA fighter who now makes a living fighting in underground events.
Elwood Dalton eventually accepts the offer. However, Glass Key, Florida, where The Road House is, is a notorious place where people are aggressive and cops are of no help.
Dalton makes a great first impression and proves to be a solid threat to Ben Brandt, the person who is threatening The Road House.
However, Brandt is not someone looking to back down. Meanwhile, his father, who doesn’t trust his son, sends a psychotic fighter who will push Dalton to his limits.
Performances
As Elwood Dalton, Jake Gyllenhaal exudes a commanding presence throughout the movie. His striking physique, during his character’s introduction, draws immediate attention.
Gyllenhaal convincingly portrays the cold and calculated demeanor of his character, establishing him as a formidable and impressive figure.
Conor McGregor, in his acting debut as Knox, is a total natural. McGregor has been himself and totally delivered. A person does feel chills when Knox is around, thanks to McGregor’s chaotic portrayal of the character.
The rest of the cast delivers a satisfying performance, ensuring the film maintains a satisfying balance without feeling excessive in any aspect.
Positives
The location, the characters, and the atmosphere of the film already feel very familiar to those who are acquainted with most grounded action films.
Therefore, viewers experience a sense of familiarity and connection as the film gradually establishes its setting.
It may also have to do with the fact that it is reimagining the 1989 film of the same name. The film has implemented the formula of these action films well.
Jake Gyllenhaal, being the lead, is primarily involved in some great action sequences. They ensure that Gyllenhaal embodies the image of an unbeatable hero whom everyone roots for.
The character of Conor McGregor, Knox, on the other hand, is opposite of Gyllenhaal’s character but equally formidable. Knox is chaotic and bound to have his own fans.
The film blends these action scenes with occasional humor, particularly involving the character of Moe, played by Arturo Castro.
Negatives
The film’s opening fight, featuring the cameo of Post Malone, doesn’t do justice to the action viewers get later in the film. It’s weak and doesn’t leave a good first impression.
Similarly, Road House employs action in the ocean near its climax, which should have been avoided. The action in the ocean doesn’t have the right beats for a film that heavily uses hand-to-hand combat scenes.
Verdict
Road House (2024) is a highly entertaining action drama that effectively uses a classic formula when it comes to making an action film.
However, in times where a new film is released almost every day, this reimagining of a classic film may not end up being a cult film the way the original one is.
Road House (2024)
Director: Doug Liman
Date Created: 2024-03-21 12:30
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