Film Review: Road house (Remake)

 Genre: Action / Thriller

Cert: 15 

Director: Doug Liman

Screenwriter: (screenplay by) Anthony Bagarozzi, Chuck Mondry, (story by)  Anthony Bagarozzi, Chuck Mondry, R. Lance Hill, 

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Daniela Melchior, Conor McGregor, Billy Magnussen, Jessica Williams, B.K. Cannon, Joaquim de Almeida, Post Malone, Lukas Gage, Dominique Columbus, Arturo Castro, JD Pardo, Beau Knapp, Hannah Love Lanier, Kevin Carroll, Bob Menery, Darren Barnet, Travis Van Winkle.

Running time: 2h 1m

Parents are advised to read before viewing the film as some scenes may contain scenes unsuitable for younger viewers.

Sex & Nudity: An interrupted implied sex scene shows brief female breast nudity & male rear nudity as he leaves.

Violence & Gore:  A man is stabbed in the side, and the knife is seen sticking out of his torso.

A man punches another man's head into the ground multiple times. You see the man's head bounce off of the pavement.

A stab wound is cleaned and bandaged in detail.

A man's throat is nicked by a razor blade multiple times, it bleeds.

There are frequent fist fights that end in broken bones, lacerations and dislocations, though the film has a campy tone that plays much of the violence with comedic effect.

A man is eaten by a crocodile, with lots of blood. Played for comedic effect.

A dead body is stuffed in an ice chest.

A man shoots a corpse multiple times.

A man is hit in the back of the head with a chunk of driftwood, knocking him unconscious.

A man is seen burning alive before being shoved into the ocean.

A man is hit in the back of the head by a speed boat.

Profanity: F*ck is used multiple times And c*cks*cker a few times.

Alcohol/drugs: Mainly set in a bar so a fair amount of drinking. Drugs discussed. No smoking.

Frightening/Intense Scenes: Intense fight scenes.

 Story: In "Paradise Lost," Jake Gyllenhaal portrays Dalton, a former UFC fighter seeking refuge from his tumultuous past in the serene landscape of the Florida Keys. Dalton's quest for peace takes an unexpected turn when he accepts a job as a bouncer at a quaint roadhouse nestled among the palm trees and ocean breeze. However, Dalton's dreams of finding solace in this tropical paradise are shattered when he uncovers the dark underbelly lurking beneath the surface. The roadhouse, it turns out, is a hub of illicit activity, controlled by shadowy figures with nefarious intentions. Determined to uncover the truth and restore integrity to the community, Dalton embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption, using his combat skills to confront the corruption that threatens to engulf the roadhouse and its patrons. As Dalton delves deeper into the seedy underbelly of the Florida Keys, he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, where every decision could mean life or death. With the stakes higher than ever, Dalton must confront his own demons and fight for justice in a world where paradise comes at a price. "Paradise Lost" is a gripping thriller that explores the darker side of paradise, with Gyllenhaal delivering a captivating performance as the resilient Dalton. This modern tale of redemption and awakening is sure to leave audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Review: In the 2024 remake of "Roadhouse," Jake Gyllenhaal steps into the iconic role of the enigmatic bouncer with a blend of intensity and charisma, delivering a performance that anchors the film amidst its highs and lows. One of the film's greatest strengths lies in Gyllenhaal's portrayal of the protagonist. His interpretation brings depth and complexity to the character, infusing him with a sense of vulnerability and inner turmoil while still exuding the raw physicality required for the role. Gyllenhaal's on-screen presence commands attention, drawing viewers into the gritty world of roadside bars and seedy establishments.

Supporting Gyllenhaal is a talented ensemble cast, each member bringing their own unique flair to their roles like Conor McGregor playing an Enforcer type for the main boss which you can tell he was having fun with. From the cunning bar owner to the loyal staff and colourful patrons, the characters are fleshed out with nuance and depth, adding layers to the story and creating a rich tapestry of personalities. Furthermore, the film delivers on the action front, with adrenaline-pumping sequences that showcase Gyllenhaal's prowess as an action star. Choreographed with precision and executed with flair, the fight scenes are a visceral spectacle, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

However, the film isn't without its flaws. Some may argue that it veers too closely to the original, failing to carve out its own identity and relying too heavily on nostalgia. Additionally, while Gyllenhaal's performance is undeniably compelling, certain plot points and character arcs feel underdeveloped, leaving the potential for deeper exploration untapped.

Overall: Despite these shortcomings, "Roadhouse Redux" succeeds in capturing the spirit of the original while offering a fresh take on the timeless tale of redemption and justice. Gyllenhaal's magnetic performance, coupled with a strong supporting cast and pulse-pounding action, makes for an entertaining ride that will satisfy both fans of the original and newcomers alike. While it may not reach the heights of its predecessor, the remake stands as a worthy addition to the legacy of "Roadhouse," showcasing the enduring appeal of a classic story reimagined for a new generation.

Rating: 5 out of 5 for Entertainment / 8 out of 10 for a remake of a classic film