In the realm of “Road House,” subtlety takes a back seat to exaggerated antics and cartoonish theatrics. Director Doug Liman, along with writers Anthony Bagarozzi & Charles Mondry, seem to have taken the concept of a Western and given it a Looney Tunes makeover. While this approach works in the film’s favor during its initial hour, embracing a fun B-movie vibe reminiscent of Saturday morning entertainment, it ultimately loses its footing as it ventures into taking itself too seriously.
The film kicks off with the introduction of Elwood Dalton (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), a fallen figure whose imposing presence scares off adversaries without the need for actual combat. Recruited by Frankie (Jessica Williams) to serve as a bouncer at her struggling roadhouse in Glass Key, Florida, Dalton finds himself embroiled in more than just barroom brawls. Facing off against a menacing real estate mogul, Ben Brandt (Billy Magnussen), Dalton’s involvement spirals into a series of over-the-top confrontations and questionable plot twists.
One of the film’s highlights is Gyllenhaal’s performance, seamlessly transitioning from charm to menace. However, even his captivating portrayal gets overshadowed amidst the chaos of a narrative that veers off its intended course. Despite attempts to inject depth through Dalton’s relationship with Ellie (Daniela Melchior), the film struggles to find its emotional center, leaving pivotal character dynamics feeling underdeveloped and uncertain.
Moreover, “Road House” fails to deliver the tactile intensity required to elevate its action sequences. While moments of quick-paced fights exhibit a raw immediacy, longer sequences suffer from glaring CGI flaws, detracting from any sense of realism. Conor McGregor’s portrayal of Knox adds an additional layer of eccentricity, teetering between fascinating and baffling, mirroring the film’s overarching struggle between realism and exaggerated insanity.
In essence, “Road House” emerges as a disjointed amalgamation of conflicting tones and performances. While Gyllenhaal’s grounded portrayal clashes with McGregor’s over-the-top antics, the film’s inability to strike a cohesive balance ultimately undermines its potential. As audiences navigate through this reimagined tale, they may find themselves yearning for the authenticity and restraint of its ’80s predecessors, along with a much-needed absence of CGI spectacle.
This review was written following its premiere at the SXSW Film Festival and is now available for streaming on Prime Video as of March 21st.