Everything
Director Doug Liman may not agree with this take but his 1989 classic Road House is one of those rare movies that straddles the “so bad it’s good” box and one of those films that critics panned but other actors love. An industry insider film, so to speak. So when it was announced that Liman was on board to direct a “reimagining” of his cult movie, with indie king Jake Gyllenhaal stepping into Patrick Swayze’s shoes, there was some buzz. And now the official trailer is out and…well, see for yourself below. There’s lots of slapping, smack talking and even some jocular dialogue from Gyllenhaal
And yes, that’s Conor McGregor as the local baddie harassing Gyllenhaal’s complex good guy.
There’s a few major differences including Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Dalton, a former UFC fighter turned Florida Keys bouncer, adds a modern twist to the iconic role for example.
While the original Road House, with Swayze’s cooler oozing charisma and martial arts prowess, became a beloved action movie, there’s a slight risk that the new vision has swapped out those details for brute grunt. We’re prepare to be surprised by McGregor’s casting but from the small snippets provided here, we wont hold my breath.
While Gyllenhaal’s take on Dalton brings a new dimension to the character, the inclusion of MMA fighter McGregor adds a layer of intrigue and potential authenticity to the action scenes. The film also features Daniela Melchior, J.D. Pardo, Arturo Castro, and Billy Magnussen, each contributing to the remake’s contemporary feel.
Set to premiere at South by Southwest on March 8, the film is then slated to be released globally on Prime Video. But not everyone is thrilled with the film’s direction towards streaming. Liman himself expressed disappointment over Amazon MGM Studios’ decision to focus on a Prime Video release, highlighting the ongoing debate about the future of cinema in the age of streaming.
With its unique cast and updated setting, the new Road House invites both fans of the original and new audiences to experience its interpretation of a beloved action classic. Whether it manages to capture the same magic as the original remains to be seen, but it certainly promises an interesting ride.
