“Road House” is a 1989 action film about a bouncer who cleans up a rowdy bar. Patrick Swayze stars as Dalton, a tough and skilled bouncer hired to tame the Double Deuce bar in Missouri. He faces off against corrupt locals and ruthless gangsters, all while trying to protect the bar’s employees and customers. Fights, explosions, and dramatic showdowns ensue as Dalton battles for justice and honor.
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Review
In 1989, a cult classic film took audiences by storm: “Road House.” Starring Patrick Swayze as the bouncer of a rough-and-tumble bar, the movie has become beloved for its over-the-top action, memorable quotes and iconic characters. But what makes “Road House” so captivating? Let’s dive deeper into this slice of ’80s cinema.
The plot of “Road House” is simple: Swayze’s character Dalton is hired to clean up a bar with a reputation for violence and trouble. Along the way, he falls in love with the local doctor, battles corrupt businessmen and leads his team against ruthless criminals. Though the story is hardly groundbreaking, it’s how it unfolds that makes the movie so thrilling.
One of the most notable aspects of “Road House” is its cast. In addition to Swayze, it features actors like Sam Elliott as Dalton’s mentor Wade Garrett, Kelly Lynch as love interest Doc and Ben Gazzara as villain Brad Wesley. Each performer brings their own brand of charisma to their roles, making even minor characters stand out.
But what really sets “Road House” apart is its dialogue. From Swayze’s famous line “Pain don’t hurt” to Elliott’s gravelly delivery of “Be nice… until it’s time not to be nice,” every word feels like it was crafted for maximum impact. Even seemingly throwaway lines like “I used to fuck guys like you in prison” (delivered by villain Jimmy) have become iconic in their own right.
Of course, a good script can only go so far without strong acting. Luckily, “Road House” delivers on that front as well. Swayze is at his charismatic best as Dalton, exuding both toughness and vulnerability in equal measure. Elliott brings gravitas to his role as Wade Garrett, while Lynch manages to make her something more than just a damsel in distress. And Gazzara? He chews scenery like few others.
But it’s not just the human performers who make “Road House” memorable. The stunt work in the movie is truly impressive, with fight scenes that are both brutal and absurd (in the best possible way). From Swayze’s acrobatic kicks to Elliott’s shotgun blasts, each action beat feels like it was designed to leave audiences gasping.
The score of “Road House” is similarly noteworthy. Composer Michael Kamen uses rock music to underscore the film’s gritty setting, with tracks by artists like Jeff Healey and Otis Redding lending a sense of authenticity to the proceedings. It’s hard not to get amped up when “Roadhouse Blues” blares out of the speakers as Dalton and his crew gear up for a showdown.
Despite all these strengths, “Road House” wasn’t exactly a critical darling upon release. Reviews were mixed at best, with some critics deriding it as mindless trash. But over time, its reputation has only grown stronger. The movie has become a staple of cable TV marathons and late-night viewings, beloved by viewers for its campy charm and unapologetic style.
Part of what makes “Road House” so appealing is how it captures a specific moment in time. The ’80s were a decade where excess was celebrated, from fashion to music to movies. And in that context, this film fits right in. It’s big and loud and unafraid to be ridiculous when necessary.
All that said, “Road House” isn’t perfect. There are moments where the dialogue borders on cheesy or the pacing drags a bit too much. And some viewers might find its violence off-putting or gratuitous. But those flaws are ultimately outweighed by everything else the movie gets right.
In conclusion, “Road House” may not be high art, but it’s undeniably entertaining. It’s a movie that wears its heart on its sleeve, with a cast and crew who clearly had a blast making it. And for those willing to give themselves over to its charms, it offers an unforgettable viewing experience. As Dalton might say, “It’s my way or the highway.” Luckily for us, we’re happy to go along for the ride.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 114
- Release : 1989-05-19
- Genre : Action, Thriller
- Cast : Patrick Swayze as James Dalton, Kelly Lynch as Dr. Elizabeth Clay, Sam Elliott as Wade Garrett, Ben Gazzara as Brad Wesley, Marshall R. Teague as Jimmy
- Crew : Dean Cundey as Director of Photography, Joel Silver as Producer, Jackie Burch as Casting, John F. Link as Editor, Steve Perry as Executive Producer
- Popularity 17.578
- Budget : $15,000,000
- Revenue : $30,050,028
- Company : United Artists, Star Partners II Ltd., Silver Pictures
- Summary : The Double Deuce is the meanest, loudest and rowdiest bar south of the Mason-Dixon Line, and Dalton has been hired to clean it up. He might not look like much, but the Ph.D.-educated bouncer proves he’s more than capable — busting the heads of troublemakers and turning the roadhouse into a jumping hot-spot. But Dalton’s romance with the gorgeous Dr. Clay puts him on the bad side of cutthroat local big shot Brad Wesley.
- Tagline : Dalton lives like a loner, fights like a professional. And loves like there’s no tomorrow.
