Review of Road House (1989) by Joe B — 04 Dec 2012

Its surprising to see that this movie was made in 1989 - the end of the decade, as it feels very much like it belongs firmly in the center of the era. But upon closer inspection there are hints that this is one of the last films of a great time for movies - the music is less reliant on typical 80s electronica or rock, though it is still unmistakably of the same decade. The plot, concerning the lack of freedom in a small town is possibly a metaphor for the inevitable restrictions which come from creating people from the raw material of money. Even the unusually serious approach to death (something found in only a handful of films from the 80s) gives this Patrick Swayze outing a darker than normal feel.

But lets be honest. Its a story about a buff Patrick Swayze who comes to a Road House to sort out the lowlife who frequent it. Thats all that matters. And when Swayze and the awesome Sam Elliot really get going, the film reminds us why it falls into the category of 'stupid films which nevertheless are well-loved, and often remembered classics.

And whats wrong with that.