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