Road House (1989) – Film Review

Director: Rowdy Herrington
Cast: Patrick Swayze, Kelly Lynch, Sam Elliott
Certificate: 18

By Sarah Morgan

Blood, sweat, some tears (mostly from pain inflicted by our hero) and a completely bonkers plot combine to make one of the most outrageous yet hugely enjoyable 1980s actioners.

Yes, if you’re looking for something arty or with any kind of emotional depth, then forget Road House. However, if ludicrous set pieces and jaw-droppingly stupid lines are your bag, then you’re in the right place. The film really should not work, and yet, somehow, it’s managed to gain a cult following and, dare I say it, it is hugely enjoyable.

Perhaps that’s because it’s played completely straight. Some directors would have read the script and made something far more camp (it was indeed turned into an Off-Broadway musical in 2003), or at least tongue-in-cheek, but the fabulously named Rowdy Herrington certainly does not take that route.

“Hasty decision”

As a result, we get to watch a deadly serious Patrick Swayze portray James Dalton, a stoic bouncer who espouses zen-like qualities in both his work and his personal life. Nevertheless, he’s a man troubled by the memory of once ripping out a man’s throat in self-defence (yes, really).

He’s head hunted by businessman Frank Tilghman, who offers him the job of running security at his Double Deuce club in Missouri. Without a second’s thought, Dalton accepts it; within about five minutes he’s quit his current position in New York City and moved up there.

He may live to regret his hasty decision because the place is a bit of a disaster area. Dalton must fire various unreliable employees who, let’s just say, don’t take the news well, and faces intimidation from local gangster Brad Wesley’s henchmen.

“Highly choreographed”

I’m not going to tell you how it all pans out for two reasons – it’s pretty obvious what the conclusion will be and it’s an awful lot of fun watching the tale unfold. Just remember to pick your jaw up off the floor afterwards.

Swayze’s physical prowess is used to its full potential here, and it’s rather wonderful to see veterans Ben Gazzara and Sam Elliott in supporting roles. Sadly, there’s zero chemistry between the leading man and Kelly Lynch, who plays love interest Elizabeth, but never mind – this is all about seeing Swayze flex his muscles anyway, carrying out highly choreographed scenes that are wildly different to those featured in Dirty Dancing, but no less impressive.

The two-disc set is, as you’d imagine, packed full of special features, including a wonderful interview with real-life bouncers in which they offer their opinions on Dalton and his skills.

Sarah Morgan

Sarah Morgan studied film journalism at post-graduate level with the BFI and has been writing about TV and film for PA Media’s newspaper, magazine and new media customers since 1996. She’s also written for a wide range of other publications, both online and in print, including the book Offbeat and Intermission magazine, and is a regular contributor to the Talking Pictures TV podcast. When she isn’t watching movies, she’s collecting and reading vintage crime and horror paperback books or, for her sins, watching her beloved Sheffield Wednesday.

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