The Road House “remake” was released last week to a mixed reception. If you read the headline of this article, you know where I stand. But, let's talk about the movie objectively before breaking down what is good, what is great, and what maybe people find off-putting.

First, I use the quotes around "remake" because despite being called that in the press, it simply is not. Outside of the name and some loose remnants of the 1989 Swayze classic (guy goes to protect bar from bad guys who have been hired to make sure it shuts down), 2024's Road House does not try and remake a film that many would argue is already perfect. Which is good! (Although I found myself praying for a throat rip and for someone to utter, "I used to fuck guys like you in prison").

What 2024's Road House does do is give you a heavy in Conor McGregor who steals every scene he is in, a brooding Jake Gyllenhaal who is struggling with his UFC past, and some spectacularly shot Doug Liman fight scenes that are reminiscent of his work 22 years ago with the first Bourne film.

What it does not do is provide you with a protagonist the quality of Swayze's James Dalton, a legendary "Cooler" with a degree in philosophy from NYU and a spectacular head of hair who is sought out for his talents. This differs from Gyllenhaal's Elwood Dalton, a disgraced UFC fighter hired by chance who reluctantly accepts the role only after his failed suicide attempt. Jake's hair is less majestic, although I think he may have invented new abs that do not even exist. He is ripped.

What's Good? The whole look of the movie is excellent. Capturing the sunny Florida Keys and providing great balance with the nightly goings-on at The Road House. Also, that they did not remake a classic. Yes, things are lifted, including a general premise, but had they completely reworked a classic, this movie would have been a tough watch.

What's Great? McGregor's Knox is a scene-stealer. A mad man with exceptional fighting skills is certainly not a stretch for Conor, but every moment he is on screen is a menacing delight. As previously mentioned, the fight scenes are spectacular, with sound design that makes me wish this had not gone direct to streaming.

What's the beef? I like love these kinds of flicks. However, the narrative structure of the film is fragmented at best. There is nothing in the movie that would wow or excite the regular moviegoer, and the resolution feels rushed despite the film running just over two hours.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and I am relieved that while providing a nod to a classic, it was not closer to a direct remake. I give Road House a 7.2 rating.