The quantity of remakes Hollywood as been hurling out in recent times has fortunately decreased quite a lot, but if there's one thing that streaming services do, it's fail to understand that actual market of the film industry. Hence, Amazon's Prime Video production company has contributed to another miss with the release of Road House, a remake of the 80s film that itself wasn't rated all that well either. As is usual with remakes, there is an attempt to use relatively high profile celebrities in cameos or certain actors that have an appeal to appear in these films, attempting to pull audiences in purely from the existing title name as well as the fame of others. That is to ultimately say these films are purely just marketing attempts at quick cash. I felt that was the case with this film, Road House being something that seemed quite soulless in its approach, attempting to do something different and a little more interesting, while otherwise failing entirely to do so. Another film that is far too long and doesn't really have a lot of interesting qualities to it. The main appeal being the UFC side of things in which the film attempts to pull in fans of the sport. Perhaps for some it worked, though it feels more like a flop of a film.
While the film does have certain redeeming qualities, I couldn't help but feel it had fatal flaws that just outweighed all of the positives, ultimately leading to it being something I wouldn't really recommend. Taking up far too much time to get through what it had to say, not quite capturing that magic of the original despite having the exact same runtime. I think it goes to show how modern films just fail to really have something that pulls you in. Something that really justifies the time it requires from you. Entirely carried by Jake Gyllenhaal, the rest of the film feels like a slog of terrible actors that just have you doubt whether it's worth watching on. One appearance in particular had me close to turning the film off and moving on, an insufferable character played by a clearly insufferable, talentless individual. Feel free to stick around in this review to find out who that may be!
There may be some spoilers in this post, so read on at your own discretion, though I doubt anyone really cares to watch this.
Road House has an interesting premise: a former UFC fighter is making a living fixing fights that people bet on. Things aren't going all that great now in the present, though his past definitely keeps up with him as people recognise him. He's offered a job to work as a bouncer for a bar in a rural part of Florida, to which he takes up after realising he's at his bottom. The pay is high, and the opportunity is just something he can't pass up. Arriving at the area, he quickly discovers something is off in the space. It is riddled with doubt, as well as a large amount of crime from certain gangs. These individuals target certain areas with a lot of violence, leading to our bouncer really having to start putting in some work, surprising much of the gangs in the area, to which then start to ask some questions. The film feels like a story that shows how you can't really run from the past, how it catches up with you somehow, and how your general nature can be something difficult to escape, even when you know it isn't necessarily good for you. A simple idea, but one that isn't explored all that much.
Most of the film focuses on the fast-paced action sequences, a film that is heavy on the action both in scenes and little montages. Sometimes it gets a bit overwhelming and over the top, but Jake Gyllenhaal does a great job in his muscular character that just seems insanely intimidating, invoking fear in all those he comes across, no matter how threatening the people may seem at a glance. It's cool to see such a character that has no fear, that only feels more anger as he's pushed. But this adds to the idea that perhaps his character isn't all that good in the first place, an equal type of monster though with slightly different values. This is pulled out of him as he interacts with those within the area, seeing the fear in their lives and how they have to attempt to protect their lives and livelihoods in the process. The story isn't really the problem with the film, instead it is more the casting and the dialogue. So let's take a little look into how bad that is!
The biggest flaw in the film is by far the featuring of Conor McGregor. The absolute worst actor I have ever seen in a film. Utterly insufferable, barely playing a character and clearly just being himself. Highly obnoxious, terrible in line delivery, and just a huge stain on the screen in any moment he's visible or heard. From the moment he appeared in the film, the quality dipped massively, standing out in comparison to everyone else. The only reason he is in the film is clearly for marketing, to attract more UFC fans. His dialogue almost seemed like it was entirely improvised, clearly written for him as a person and his accent, clearly to try to advertise him and the general idea people may have of him in the real world. It just does not work at all. And Conor McGregor is definitely not suitable for acting, void of any charisma and talent. Nothing more than someone that could throw the odd punch that may look a bit realistic, and that's quite literally it. This is a huge spoiler, but it was genuinely great to see his character get killed. Almost like watching the most annoying fly in the universe finally catch a swat.
From a technical perspective, this isn't a bad film. The directing and cinematography is generally decent. Some shots looking quite cinematic and wide, quite appealing with the location of a more tropical Florida. I didn't have many problems with how it was shot, and some of the action sequences are actually done quite well. Resembling a little bit more like John Wick in parts with the intensity of action, the fast-paced punches and the choreography of the fight scenes. With its two hour runtime, it doesn't feel like the budget went to a certain area and anything suffered as a result. Things felt quite solid throughout, even as the climax ensues and the action requires more special effects, though they're used more sparingly. Unfortunately, it doesn't save the rest of the film, with a poor cast and a poor set of lines attributed to them. I really don't think it's worth a watch. There are many better films to check out, and definitely isn't the best film to feature Jake Gyllenhaal.
I haven't yet watched this but I have seen all over the internet that he is absolutely awful. I'm not that surprised by this to be honest. Jake is such an amazing actor as well so that couldn't have bode well for Conor.
The more I read that Conor was "playing himself" the more I found myself growing a hatred for the man.
Empecé a ver esta película y no le di oportunidad je,je,je me aburrí antes de tiempo. Algunos giro me parecieron sin ningún sentido y eso hizo que me decepcionara. Menos mal no terminé de verla. Saludos y gracias por tu valiosa reseña y opinión.