Jake Gyllenhaal Shines in Roadhouse

In 1989, the late Patrick Swayze hit screens as a bouncer, armed with a black belt in karate and a Ph.D. in philosophy hired to clean up the baddest honky tonk in a Missouri town with Roadhouse. Now, more than 40 years later Jake Gyllenhaal brings Dalton back to theaters, who is barely scraping by on the reputation that still precedes him when he is spotted by Frankie, owner of a roadhouse in the Florida Keys. She hires him to be her new bouncer in hopes of stopping a violent gang, working for crime boss Brandt (Billy Magnussen), from destroying her beloved bar. Even five to one, Brandt’s crew is no match for Dalton’s skills. But the stakes get higher with the arrival of ruthless gun-for-hire, Knox (Conor McGregor). As the brutal brawls and bloodshed escalate, the tropical Keys prove more dangerous than anything Dalton ever faced in the Octagon.

Nostalgia will bring fans into the theater to see ascertain what the differences are between the Swayze’s version and this 2024 reboot.  Gyllenhaal exudes a natural sexy charm that works for his characterization and all of the performances are solid especially from Jessica Williams (Frankie)  and Conor McGregor.  The fight scenes are fire, particularly the whole “Praise The Lord” sequence.  Another extra added touch is the use of local bars for each bar scene providing an authenticity to the Florida Keys bar musician scene.

Loved that the cast was a little more diverse this time around with the additions of Jessica Williams, Joaquim de Almeida, Hannah Love Lanier and Kevin Carroll. Having said all of that, the plot feels a little clunky and awkward in some spots giving  ‘Rocky’ in a bar vibes. Yet, it also makes a very loud statement on how large corporations tear down the heart and soul of long standing neighborhoods for the sake of a new mall or fancy apartment complex.

Even with a massively slow pacing plot, Roadhouse still manages to be a fun, exciting and a nostalgic look back to the late 80’s.