Road House, the opening film of SXSW 2024, is a decently captivating and entertaining reimagination of the cult classic starring Patrick Swayze. It delivers a blend of action, comedy, and drama that takes a breakneck pace from the onset. With Jake Gyllenhaal taking on the iconic role of Dalton and Connor McGregor portraying the menacing antagonist Knox, the film offers a fresh take on the beloved characters while staying true to the spirit of the original.
Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Dalton effortlessly captures the essence of the character, striking a balance between charm and raw intensity. He brings his own flair to the role, infusing it with charisma and depth. Throughout the film, Gyllenhaal’s performance keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He demonstrated his energy and excitement for the movie from the stage at the Paramount Theatre before and after the screening, rousing the packed house.
Meanwhile, McGregor delivers a standout performance as Knox, the insane and villainous heavy. With his larger-than-life presence and charismatic demeanor, McGregor commands the screen in every scene he’s in. His portrayal adds a layer of intensity to the film, making Knox a memorable and formidable adversary for Dalton. During the after-screening Q&A, he brought laughs, even though his drunken, thick Irish brogue made him challenging to understand. He wound up the crowd and stole the show from his castmates.
Director Doug Liman’s direction ensures that the film’s action sequences are both thrilling and visually stunning. The fight scenes, choreographed with precision, highlight Gyllenhaal’s and McGregor’s impressive physicality, creating intense excitement and adrenaline-pumping action. Still, Liman goes over the top with outlandish barroom brawls.
In addition to its action-packed moments, ‘Road House’ delivers plenty of humor and wit. The sharp and witty dialogue, coupled with the cast’s comedic timing, results in numerous laugh-out-loud moments throughout the film. Liman skillfully balances the movie’s tone, seamlessly blending humor with the more dramatic elements of the story.
While some aspects of the film may feel contrived, and its plot may be somewhat predictable, these shortcomings are overshadowed by its overall entertainment value. ‘Road House’ is a wild ride from start to finish, offering a thrilling and enjoyable diversion for fans of the original and newcomers alike. On a side note, ironically, the 1989 version has far more nudity than this modern version.
In overall appeal, ‘Road House’ (2024) delivers on all fronts, even if it relies on predictability and stock characters. With captivating performances, exhilarating action sequences, and just enough humor, it’s a remake that honors the legacy of the original while also carving out its own identity. Gyllenhaal and McGregor’s dynamic performances and Liman’s skillful direction make this film a standout addition to the action-genre.
It’s always more exciting to see a film at SXSW with the cast in attendance, and ‘Road House’s’ cast with Dax Shepard (not in the film) as MC was almost as entertaining as the film. In addition to the two leads, Liman, Post Malone, Jessica Williams, Daniela Melchior and several other cast and crew members appeared on stage. All in all, ‘Road House’ was an enjoyable lead-in to the festival.