In my Road House 2024 review, I’ll break down whether this remake kicks as hard as the original. Jake Gyllenhaal steps into Patrick Swayze’s shoes, so the question is: can he nail Dalton’s cool?
Expect flashy action and some nods to the cult classic. But does this new Road House have the same wild heart? I’ll tell you everything you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- The 2024 Road House remake boasts some fun moments and action, but ultimately lacks the heart and rough charm of the original.
- Jake Gyllenhaal puts his own spin on Dalton, but he can’t fully replace the zen coolness of Patrick Swayze.
- The film relies too heavily on CGI and falls into predictable action movie tropes at times.
Road House 2024 Review
| Aspect | Rating(out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Plot | 2.5 |
| Action | 3.0 |
| Acting | 3.0 |
| Directing | 2.5 |
| Nostalgia Factor | 2.0 |
| Overall | 2.5 |
| Directed by | Doug Liman |
| Screenplay by | Anthony Bagarozzi, Charles Mondry |
| Story by | Anthony Bagarozzi, Charles Mondry, David Lee Henry |
| Based on | Road House (by David Lee Henry, Hilary Henkin) |
| Produced by | Joel Silver |
| Cinematography | Henry Braham |
| Edited by | Doc Crotzer |
| Music by | Christophe Beck |
| Production companies | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Silver Pictures |
| Distributed by | Amazon MGM Studios |
| Release dates | March 8, 2024 (SXSW); March 21, 2024 |
| Running time | 121 minutes |
Road House 2024 Cast
Absolutely! Here’s the cast information in a clear tabular form:
| Character Name | Actor/Actress |
|---|---|
| Elwood Dalton | Jake Gyllenhaal |
| Ellie | Daniela Melchior |
| Knox | Conor McGregor |
| Ben Brandt | Billy Magnussen |
| Frankie | Jessica Williams |
| The Sheriff | Joaquim de Almeida |
| Dell | JD Pardo |
| Carter | Austin Post |
| Billy | Lukas Gage |
| Moe | Arturo Castro |
Road House 2024 Plot Synopsis and Comparison to the Original
The core setup of the 2024 Road House remains familiar. Jake Gyllenhaal is Dalton, an ex-UFC fighter with a mysterious past who finds himself working as the head bouncer at a rowdy Florida Keys bar.
The place is a hotbed of brawls, and he soon runs afoul of a corrupt local businessman with his sights set on taking over the joint.
There are changes, of course. Dalton’s background is fleshed out more, revealing a troubled history that drives his desire to protect those around him.
The setting, while still a beachside bar, ditches the midwest feel of the Double Deuce for something more tropical.
But the remake maintains the same basic beats, even throwing in a few direct references that will have fans of the original grinning.
Jake Gyllenhaal’s Performance
Let’s get this out of the way: no one’s going to replace Patrick Swayze. The original Dalton was larger-than-life.
Gyllenhaal’s take is more grounded and intense. He still embodies the strong-but-silent type, yet there’s a flicker of vulnerability behind those stoic eyes.
His Dalton is less a philosopher and more a haunted warrior, which lends some early scenes a nice emotional edge.
However, as the film shifts into non-stop action mode, Gyllenhaal struggles to find that same balance of cool-headedness and charisma that made Swayze’s Dalton so iconic. Sure, he throws a mean punch, but the signature lines just don’t land with the same impact.
Road House 2024 Action and Stunt Work
The action is where this remake aims to really deliver. Fights break out with dizzying regularity, and there’s a clear effort to up the ante in terms of scale and spectacle from the original film.
However, this ambition turns out to be something of a mixed bag.
There are moments of genuine excitement. Stunt performers get tossed through the air like ragdolls, and some creative choreography keeps you on your toes.
Yet, the movie’s overreliance on CGI often undercuts the visceral impact. Fights sometimes devolve into a blur of weightless digital bodies, making them less thrilling and more cartoonish.
Road House 2024: Villains and Supporting Cast
One of the 2024 Road House remake’s weak spots is its villains. While the 1989 film had those wonderfully hiss-worthy antagonists, the new bad guys are disappointingly generic.
The main corrupt businessman has a certain slimy charm, but his motivations remain murky. His henchmen are mostly interchangeable muscle-bound brutes who seem like they stepped right out of a video game cutscene.
The supporting cast is a bit stronger. There’s a hint of a spark between Dalton and the tough-as-nails bar owner (played by Daniela Melchior), and a wisecracking bartender adds a much-needed touch of humor.
But even these characters feel underdeveloped, leaving you wishing there was more depth beyond the brawling.
Road House 2024 Soundtrack and Music
Music was key to the vibe of the original Road House, and the remake doesn’t completely drop the ball here. It’s a mix of modern rock anthems, a bit of southern twang, and even the occasional nod to the original film’s soundtrack.
While nothing stands out as truly memorable, the soundscape does its job in bolstering the energy of the action scenes.
Road House 2024: Direction and Cinematography
Doug Liman, known more for thrillers like “The Bourne Identity” than barroom brawls, takes the director’s chair.
He brings a certain slickness to the film, but his style sometimes clashes with the gritty, down-and-dirty feel Road House fans are used to.
Some of the cinematography, especially the Florida Keys setting, is visually stunning. There are sweeping shots of beaches, sunsets, and the ramshackle charm of the bar itself.
But the fight sequences are often shot and edited with so much frenetic energy that it becomes difficult to follow who’s punching who.
Also See: Love Lies Bleeding Movie Review (2024)
Homages to the Original Versus New Ground
One of the remake’s challenges is striking that fine balance between paying tribute to the original and establishing its own identity.
There are several fun moments that will delight longtime fans—nods to classic lines, recreated setups, and even some surprising cameos.
It’s clear the filmmakers wanted to show they understand what made Road House special.
However, where the remake attempts to forge its own path, things get less certain. There’s an attempt at social commentary with land developers destroying natural areas, but it never really connects to the core plot.
Ultimately, the film feels safest when it’s just reveling in over-the-top fight scenes and silly one-liners.
Thematic Depth
Let’s face it: No one goes to a Road House movie expecting highbrow philosophy. That said, the remake fumbles any chance to add true thematic depth.
While it hints at Dalton’s inner demons and the dangers of unchecked violence, these themes are never meaningfully explored.
There’s also a missed opportunity to delve into the lives of the other bar staff and regulars.
The original film gave us a glimpse into their world – now we just get nameless bodies to punch and kick.
Road House 2024 A Success or a Misfire?
So, does the 2024 Road House succeed? That depends on your expectations. It boasts some solid action sequences and, thanks to Gyllenhaal’s performance, it has enough heart to keep you moderately invested.
There are moments of pure, cheesy fun that recapture the spirit of the original.
Yet, it’s ultimately a flashier, emptier experience. It lacks the endearing roughness of the original, relying too much on spectacle rather than character.
If you’re a die-hard Road House enthusiast, you’ll get some nostalgic kicks but leave feeling underwhelmed.
If you’re a newcomer, it’ll be a passable action flick, but you won’t understand why the original is a cult classic. And that’s a shame.
FAQs
Is the Road House remake worth watching?
It depends on your expectations. If you’re a major fan of the original, this remake might offer some fun moments and nostalgia but probably won’t fully satisfy. If you’re looking for a straightforward action movie with some decent fights and a charismatic lead, it’s a decent way to kill a couple of hours. It’s perfect for a rowdy group of friends on a Friday night.
How is the new Road House different from the original?
The primary difference is the tone. While the original had a kind of goofy charm, the remake tries to be edgier and more serious. Dalton’s background is fleshed out, and the action feels more polished but less authentic. The new “Road House” also moves the setting to the Florida Keys, ditching the midwestern flair of the Double Deuce.
Who is the villain in the new Road House?
A corrupt businessman with plans to redevelop the bar’s area is the main antagonist. However, the villain, along with his henchmen, lacks the quirky menace of the original film’s bad guys.
Is Road House (2024) on [insert streaming services]?
This will depend on when the film is released and what distribution deals it secures. Be sure to check your preferred streaming platforms when the Road House release date is announced.
Are there any cameos in the Road House remake?
Yes! The remake features a few cameos that will excite fans of the original. I won’t spoil them here, but keep your eyes peeled for some familiar faces as the action heats up.
Final Verdict
The 2024 Road House remake isn’t a bad movie, but it doesn’t quite live up to the legacy of the original.
The action is entertaining enough, and there are some fun nods to the 1989 film. However, the director’s execution feels a little off, and the overall experience lacks the charm and quotability of the first Road House.
So, while it’s probably only worth watching once, it could be a fun option for a casual movie night.
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