I watched Road House (2024) and I didn’t like it. 2.5/5
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The Road House (2024) remake revives the classic Patrick Swayze cult film with a modern, action-packed twist, but despite a few entertaining moments and a charismatic lead, it falls short of capturing the raw charm and grit of the original. Directed by Doug Liman and starring Jake Gyllenhaal as the new Dalton, this version amps up the action and polish but struggles to find its own identity, ultimately landing somewhere between homage and standard action fare.
This time around, Dalton (Gyllenhaal) is a former UFC fighter looking to start fresh as a bouncer in a rundown bar in the Florida Keys. The new setting brings a tropical vibe to the gritty brawling, with beach bars and neon-lit parties replacing the dusty, small-town dive of the original. Gyllenhaal is undeniably engaging as Dalton—he brings intensity, wit, and some of his signature edge to the role, and it’s clear he’s enjoying himself in the part. His Dalton is tougher and darker than Swayze’s, with a brooding charm that almost works. Almost. Yet, as charismatic as Gyllenhaal is, he doesn’t quite capture the quiet, effortless cool that made Swayze’s Dalton so iconic.
The supporting cast is packed with talent, but most of them feel underused or underdeveloped. Billy Magnussen plays a local thug with a bit of a comedic edge, while Daniela Melchior stars as Dalton’s love interest, but neither character really has the depth to stand out. The villains are painted in broad strokes, giving Gyllenhaal plenty of opportunities to throw punches but leaving little room for any real tension or stakes. It’s a cast that seems capable of more, but the script doesn’t offer them much beyond surface-level drama and flashy fight scenes.
When it comes to action, Road House (2024) definitely delivers. Doug Liman knows his way around an action scene, and he stages plenty of brawls, chases, and explosive showdowns that feel big and satisfying. The fight choreography is well-executed and gritty, even if it’s a little too polished at times, lacking the rough-and-tumble feel of the original. While the action is thrilling, it occasionally feels like it’s trying too hard to be impressive, going for stylized moves that can feel out of place in a movie about a bouncer cleaning up a bar.
Where the film falters most is in its tone. The original Road House balanced its over-the-top action with a tongue-in-cheek attitude, creating a unique blend of campy fun and genuine grit. In contrast, this remake often feels like it’s not sure whether it wants to be serious or self-aware. It leans into slick action sequences and dramatic confrontations without the humor or charm that made the original a cult favorite. The lack of humor makes some of the movie’s more outlandish moments feel unearned, and without a strong sense of fun, it misses the mark on recapturing what made the original so memorable.
One area where Road House (2024) does succeed is in its visuals. The Florida Keys setting brings a fresh look, and the cinematography makes full use of the bright colors and neon lights. The film has a distinct style that’s enjoyable to watch, with nighttime scenes that pulse with energy and a sun-drenched backdrop that keeps things visually interesting. However, while the setting adds a modern flair, it can’t compensate for the lack of heart and storytelling that the original had in spades.
In the end, Road House (2024) is a mixed bag. Gyllenhaal’s charisma and Liman’s action direction keep it from being a complete misfire, but it lacks the personality and charm of its predecessor. Fans of the original might find it hard to connect with this sleek, updated version, and new viewers may see it as just another action movie. While it’s an entertaining enough watch if you’re looking for a mindless brawl, Road House (2024) doesn’t leave a lasting impression, and it’s unlikely to achieve the same cult status as the original.