Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor McGregor are well-cast as adversaries in Doug Liman’s film revolving around a bouncer whose relocation to a small time leads to a confrontation with a crime boss.

 

Doug Liman has helmed some impressive action films and Road House is no exception; action fans will definitely get a kick out of this one, thanks to amazing performances from the aforementioned duo.

 

Gyllenhaal as Dalton is believable, portraying a talented fighter who abhors violence. The irony works but his restraint is put to the test when he is pitted against a crazed warrior bent on shedding blood.

 

McGregor is nothing short of outstanding as Knox, the antagonist who more than matches Dalton’s skills. Their fight scenes are frenetic and well-executed, with close-up shots taking you right into the brutal fistfights.

 

This film isn’t all about the action though; there is drama in between as Liman attempts to balance both in a story that hardly pretends to be anything more than a crowd-pleaser.

 

Those who want entertainment would do well to forget the original and just enjoy this one because it is good in its own way. While it has its shortcomings, it exceeds expectations when it comes down to dudes beating the heck out of each other.

 

Lovers of the action genre will want to see this more than once (I know I will). Gyllenhaal and McGregor rock!