There are two reasons why I watched director Rowdy Herrington’s Road House (1989). Patrick Swayze’s undeniable magic is one reason – the camera seems to just fully love him, right? The other is I’ve heard several men rate the film quite highly. Add to that the recently released remake starring Jake Gyllenhaal, (which I’m yet to see), and I had to satisfy my curiosity.
As predicted, Swayze is his usual magnetic self as Dalton, a smaller-than-expected bouncer, hired to clean up the roughest bar in a Missouri town, thanks in part to his black belt in karate.
‘Well-paced with a good amount of suspense built-in’ is one way to describe Road House. I believed Dalton to be as capable as his Karate background would suggest. There are certainly some fun and impressive fight sequences. Nevertheless, my favourite scene has more to do with dialogue than fighting. It’s the one when Dalton introduces himself to his new team and lays down the law.
There came a point in Road House when I was exhausted by all the fighting and wanted the conflicts resolved. No surprises there, I guess, since the movie is made predominantly for a male audience. I’ll probably still watch the Jake Gyllenhaal remake. After all, he too is talented and magnetic. I will, however, need the music to be different because the rock music in Herrington’s film isn’t my favourite.
If you’re curious enough, give Road House a chance. Especially if you’re into fighting/fight choreography. Lastly, the story is quite romantic – though, mostly not in the lovey-dovey sense.
Happy Film Loving,
G
The Movie My Life 
Gia, I’m shocked you didn’t mention my favorite actor in the movie: Sam Elliott. The two buddies were a big part of why I liked the movie. That final fight scene down by the water is the memorable one for me.
😁! I confess. I’m shocked that I didn’t mention him either. Here’s the thing, Sam is great, but it’s hard to avoid mentioning how delightful his voice is each time I see him in a movie. So, perhaps I thought I’d pull back a little. I also noticed his wonderful hair in this one and failed to mention that too. 😁 I’m going to blame everything on how small his role is.
lol! That’s so funny.
😁❤️
The fight scene by the water was impressive. I like how it accelerated everything to the quite satisfying final conclusion. And yes, the brotherhood was a highlight. But, by the time Sam’s character arrived, I was too involved in Dalton’s connection to all the other characters he had built a rapport with. I particularly liked his landlord and the store owner.
I believe the guy he fought by the lake was also Billy, one of the badasses in the first Predator movie, but I’m not 100% sure.
I’m sure you’re right. He does look kind of familiar, like a career baddie. 🤓
I remember seeing this years ago, and I enjoyed it, but you’re right, there was a lot of fighting
Glad you had a good time. 🤓 I’m giving myself a little break between this movie and the remake. Hopefully, Jake’s version is good too.
I haven’t seen it in years, but I remember it being good, haven’t heard about the remake, might be worth a watch, because, Jake!
Almost always a yes because, Jake. 🥂
I thought this was pretty good!
Agreed. Swayze rarely went wrong, if at all. 🥂