ROAD HOUSE
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Daniela Melchior, Conor McGregor, Billy Magnussen, Jessica Williams, Kevin Carroll, Hannah Lanier, Joaquim de Almeida, Lukas Gage, Dominique Columbus, Arturo Castro, and JD Pardo
Director: Doug Liman
NICK
I think I would have enjoyed Road House more if it went by any other name, because when compared to the original, it's a let down. That said, there's entertainment to be had thanks to director Doug Liman's testosterone-fueled video-game-style fight sequences and Jake Gyllenhaal's smart-ass take on Dalton. As for what Conor McGregor is doing? I'll go ahead and say it's an acquired taste. Look, the film knows it’s dumb, hard-hitting, B-movie popcorn fodder, but with none of its changes improving on the original, I can't give it a positive review. That, and it is sorely missing Sam Elliott's Wade Garrett.
QUENTIN
If you’re a fan of 1989’s Road House, I assume you aren’t coming into the remake looking for high art. Working on that assumption, this version is a lot of big dumb fun. It’s the type of movie where the sheriff is named Big Dick (Joaquim de Almeida), and top goon Knox (Conor McGregor, who is clearly having a blast) has multiple tattoos of his own name across his abdomen. Most importantly, though, the fight scenes are energetic and exciting in an 80s throwback way. If it were a theatrical release, I may have been harsher, but my only real complaint is the lack of throat-ripping.
PAIGE
The remake of Road House lacks many of the elements that made the original a dumb, fun, cult favorite, even if it does have some mindlessly entertaining moments here and there. Director Doug Liman's handling of the material is, to be honest, uninspired, and the movie is far too flawed to be considered a respectable remake. The fight sequences are unrealistic and ridiculous due to the terrible editing and wonky camera work, all of the characters are utterly underdeveloped, and the story's dreary script made me not care about or appreciate any of its absurdity.
KATIE
Admittedly, I have not seen 1989's
Road House, so I wasn't sure what to expect with the remake, especially as a straight-to-streaming release. However, I had an undeniably great time, with my main criticism being that it is too long for a film with a barely discernable plot. Other than that, it's energetic, mindless fun, and it does exactly what it says on the tin, offering indulgent violence, fantastic fight choreography, and really impressive stunt work. Plus, Jake Gyllenhaal has plenty of charm, and Conor McGregor brings a surprisingly flamboyant energy to his role.
CALEB
Road House is a little rough around the edges, but it’s a hell of a good time. This movie just wants to have fun, and everyone involved seems to have gotten the memo. Jake Gyllenhaal oozes charisma while Conor McGregor delivers a delightfully over-the-top performance. The dialogue isn’t great, but when the performances are this entertaining, that becomes less of an issue. The fight scenes suffer from some weird visual effects decisions, but the creative choreography is energetic enough to make up for it. If you’re looking for an exciting action movie, and you don’t mind some cheese, then look no further than Road House.
