A punch to the face – Prime Video’s Road House proves to be predictable remake where passionless drama and UFC go hand-in-hand.
Released early March, the 2024 adaptation Road House has been making headlines for all of the wrong reasons. Here’s why.
Starring Southpaw (2015) star Jake Gyllenhaal as Dalton, the 2024 remake of the original Road House which starred the now late Patrick Swayze, follows the ex-UFC fighter who is trying to escape his dark past. Dalton, who is spotted by a roadhouse owner located in the Florida Keys, is hired to become a bouncer in hopes of stopping a local gang from destroying the beloved bar.
Described as an adrenaline-fueled actioner, Road House 2024 lined up real-life professional mixed martial artist and boxer Conor McGregor as Knox, who goes head-to-head with Gyllenhaal as the bloodshed escalates.
Despite the hype Road House received for its reported $85 million budget to go directly to streaming platform Amazon Prime, the hype unfortunately ended there.
Knox, Conor McGregor, Road House, 2024. Image supplied.
The 2024 adaption of the original 1989 film had all of the backbones for it to be a successful release: it had the budget, it had an esteemed director (Doug Liman known for Edge of Tomorrow, The Bourne Identity, Mr. and Mrs. Smith), it had the storyline and, most of all, it had the all-star cast with the likes of Billy Magnussen, Lukas Gage, Darren Barnet and even American rapper Post Malone taking a spotlight.
But what was missing? Prime Video’s 2024 Road House is predictable and passionless. Every scene is met with an expected outcome. There’s no originality, there’s no unexpected turns and, most disappointingly, there’s no standout acting. It’s bland and, in our opinion, isn’t worth the hype of starting up an account if you were considering it.
Looking at the leading role Dalton, Gyllenhaal respectfully fit the part and was the perfect choice for the hot shot fighter. But, comparing Gyllenhaal to previous ring-side roles, this heartthrob was lacking enthusiasm and a sense of realism when it comes to the brutal brawls audiences were searching for.
As the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” If you love bloodshed and bland filler scenes, then be sure to give Road House a watch.
For more inspirational and adrenaline packed flicks, check out this list of the 10 Best and Most Motivational Sport Documentaries to Stream Now. Or, go golden with this guide to the 15 Best Hollywood Classic Movies of All Time.
