Director Doug Liman teams up with Academy Award Nominee Jake Gyllenhaal to modernize a late-eighties action film in "Road House" from Amazon Studios. Anthony Bagarozzi, Charles Mondry, and Chuck Mondry pen the film's screenplay. Dalton (Gyllenhall), a former UFC combatant tormented by his turbulent history and violent tendencies.
Dalton clings meagerly to the lingering echoes of his notorious reputation when he is discovered by Frankie (Jessica Williams), a proprietress operating a roadhouse in the Florida Keys. She enlists him as her fresh strong-arm aide, intending to curb a ferocious faction collaborating with criminal lord Brandt (Billy Magnussen), who is hell-bent on demolishing her cherished bar establishment.
Early on, Brandt learns that Dalton isn't someone you want to mess with when he sends his goons to cause a ruckus at Frankie's bar, and they have their asses handed to them with Dalton's exceptional fighting prowess. Upon purging the bar from lawlessness and kindling an affiliation with neighborhood practitioner Ellie (Daniela Melchior), perhaps Dalton has finally found serenity and another chance at calling somewhere home.
However, when vindictive hired gun Knox (Conor McGregor) marks his ruthless appearance in their quiet world, escalating violence takes hold. The gruesome skirmishes intensify along with shedding blood become more frequent within the picturesque Keys region, thus proving it to be an environment far more perilous than anything that confronted Dalton during his past encounters inside UFC's Octagon.
When the remake of "Road House" was initially announced, there was a ton of criticism from fans, which is understandable. The original 'Road House' is a classic that I often revisit. The film has left a lasting impact, including a great joke from 'Family Guy,' an off-Broadway play where Tamiak from "The Last Dragon" played the role of Dalton, and a mediocre sequel.
It is a relief to see that director Liman and Gyllenhaal value the original movie and put their twist on the modern version. One of the first things the audience will notice is that the writers intend to transform Dalton into a mystical character similar to those found in Sergio Leone's films. Dalton has a job, keeps to himself, and protects the underdog. Gyllenhaal delivers a solid performance as an alpha male, bringing his unique style to the role.
Our primary antagonists are not merely participating but relishing their roles. Billy Magnussen embodies a perpetually ill-tempered and petulant individual with unresolved paternal issues. Concurrently, Mixed Martial Arts superstar Conor McGregor freely explores his acting potential in his inaugural film outing. Although McGregor's introduction as the hyper-aggressive Knox may be overly conspicuous, he effectively incorporates his fighting persona when executing combative scenes.
At the same time, it is evident that McGregor might have benefited from professional acting coaching—given the awkward pauses and forced dialogue deliveries featuring an unnaturally permanent grin—such shortcomings largely marginalize his overall performance. The remake prioritizes action sequences over the romantic subplot involving actress Daniela Melchior's character. However, it should be noted that despite presenting well on screen, Jessica Williams' characterization appears inadequately developed.
While it's missing a Wade Garrett-type character (Cole Hauser would've been money ) and some memorable one-liners taken as its own thing, the remake of "Road House" is an enjoyable stream.
Final Grade: B
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