Review of Road House (1989) by Stuart K — 30 Dec 2012
Directed by Rowdy Herrington (Striking Distance (1993) and Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius (2004)), this is a great action film from the tail-end of the 1980's, and it's star is on fine form with some brilliant support to back him up.
It might not have aged well, and it's a lot cheesier looking back on it, but it's a film from the 80's and proud of it, and it's still great fun to watch. James Dalton (Patrick Swayze) is a "cooler" working in New York City, after seeing him deal with some riff-raff, he is offered a job by Frank Tilghman (Kevin Tighe), who runs the Double Deuce in Jasper, Missouri.
Tilghman is planning to revamp the bar, and needed a good cooler to keep the peace. Dalton agrees, and goes down, it's a rough place too, with fights happening frequently, and Dalton finds that local business magnate Brad Wesley (Ben Gazzara), has control over most of Jasper.
When Dalton manages to incur Wesley's wrath by removing Wesley's henchmen from the Double Deuce after an altercation, Wesley seeks revenge on Dalton, and those near to him. It's tough, and Dalton calls for back-up from his mentor and friend Wade Garrett (Sam Elliott).
It's a very silly film, but there's something quite endearing about it. There's a good score of rock songs performed by Jeff Healey (who plays Cody in the film). Swayze can kick ass as well, and he's good in the love scenes with Kelly Lynch.
It's the sort of action film that just doesn't exist anymore.
This review of Road House (1989) was written by Stuart K on 30 Dec 2012.
Road House has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
