Road House (1989) Movie Review – DesireMovies, Road House (1989): A Cult Classic of Action and Cheese
Movie Type: Action/Thriller
“Road House” (1989) is a cult classic action film known for its over-the-top violence, cheesy dialogue, and charismatic performance by Patrick Swayze. Directed by Rowdy Herrington and written by David Lee Henry and Hilary Henkin, the film follows Dalton, a tough bouncer hired to clean up the notorious Double Deuce bar in a small Missouri town.
Characters:
| Character | Actor | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dalton Jenkins | Patrick Swayze | A philosophical bouncer with a mysterious past and a talent for martial arts. |
| Dr. Elizabeth Clay | Kelly Lynch | A beautiful doctor who catches Dalton’s eye, but is entangled with a local crime boss. |
| Brad Wesley | Ben Gazzara | A ruthless businessman who controls the town and uses the Double Deuce for his illegal activities. |
| Wade Garrett | Sam Elliott | A wise and grizzled mentor who runs a bar across the street from the Double Deuce. |
| Pat McGurn | John Doe | Dalton’s talkative and somewhat clumsy partner. |
Road House (1989) Movie Review – DesireMovies
Dalton arrives in the sleepy town of Jasper, Missouri, and takes a job as the head bouncer at the Double Deuce, a bar notorious for its rowdy clientele and corrupt ownership. The bar is controlled by Brad Wesley, a powerful businessman who uses it as a front for his criminal operations. Dalton quickly realizes the Double Deuce is a dangerous place, filled with thugs, brawls, and violence.
A Philosophical Bouncer with a Knack for Kicking Butt
Dalton is not your typical bouncer. He’s a man with a mysterious past and a strong moral compass. He possesses a black belt in karate and a calm demeanor, but when pushed, he can unleash a whirlwind of violence to subdue troublemakers. He sets out to clean up the Double Deuce, enforcing a strict code of conduct and earning the respect of the bar’s staff and some of the regulars.
Romance and Trouble in Small-Town Missouri
Dalton also catches the eye of Dr. Elizabeth Clay, a beautiful and intelligent physician. However, their budding romance is complicated by Elizabeth’s involvement with Brad Wesley. As Dalton delves deeper into cleaning up the Double Deuce, he clashes with Wesley and his thugs, leading to a series of increasingly violent confrontations.
A Feast for the Eyes (and Ears) of Action Fans
“Road House” is an action film through and through. The fight choreography is brutal and excessive, showcasing Patrick Swayze’s impressive martial arts skills. The film is filled with memorable scenes, including Dalton’s iconic fight with a hulking bouncer named “Roughhouse” Rhodes and his thrilling showdown with Wesley’s goons at the end.
Cult Classic Status and Quotable Lines
While not critically acclaimed upon its release, “Road House” has achieved cult classic status over the years. The film’s cheesy dialogue, quotable lines (“I used to bounce at a club down in Miami. We used to have riots!”) and over-the-top action sequences have become a source of amusement and enjoyment for fans.
A Charismatic Performance by Patrick Swayze
Patrick Swayze delivers a memorable performance as Dalton, capturing his stoicism, dry humor, and impressive fighting skills. The supporting cast, including Kelly Lynch, Ben Gazzara, and Sam Elliott, adds to the film’s charm.
Shot on Location in Los Angeles
Despite being set in Missouri, “Road House” was filmed entirely in Los Angeles, California.
Box Office Performance and Legacy
“Road House” had a modest box office performance upon its initial release in 1989. However, it gained a loyal following on home video and continues to be a popular choice for cable television broadcasts. Specific day-by-day box office figures aren’t readily available after a significant amount of time, but it’s considered a profitable venture due to its success in home media sales.
A Must-See for Fans of Action Films and 80s Cheese
“Road House” isn’t a film for everyone. It’s cheesy, violent, and sometimes nonsensical. However, for fans of 80s action movies and films that revel in their absurdity, “Road House” is a must-see. It’s a fun and nostalgic trip down memory lane, filled with quotable lines, iconic fight scenes, and a charismatic performance by Patrick Swayze.
