“Road House,” directed by Doug Liman, recently made its world debut at SXSW on March 8th, 2023. The action film, starring Jake Gyllenhaal among others, is a re-imagining of the beloved 1989 movie bearing the same name. With a cast rounded out by UFC fighter Conor McGregor and actors Daniel Melchior, J.D. Pardo, and more, “Road House” delivered a promising blend of star power and nostalgia.
Key Takeaways:
– Doug Liman’s “Road House” saw its world premiere on March 8th, 2023, at SXSW with a star-studded cast.
– Conor McGregor, playing Knox, shares his positive experience working on the film.
– Fans recognize McGregor’s potential in Hollywood, with some anticipating he might not return to fighting.
– Despite legal accusations from R. Lance Hill, feedback has been largely positive with the film holding a 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Revival of a Cult Classic:
While MGM and Amazon face allegations from R. Lance Hill, original screenwriter of the ’89 movie, for copyright infringement, the on-screen product seemed unscathed. According to reports, viewers and critics agree that the film delivers. With an impressive score of 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, the audience clearly appreciates the new “Road House.” The cast earned commendation for their performances, effectively paying homage to the ’80s cult classic.
McGregor Steals the Screen:
One standout in the cast has been professional mixed martial artist Conor McGregor. Playing the role of Knox, McGregor showed his acting prowess, garnering positive responses during the premiere at SXSW Festival. His contribution to the film’s realistic fight scenes and chemistry with co-star Jake Gyllenhaal were widely recognized, with McGregor stating the two were a perfect combination.
Sea of Opportunity in Hollywood:
McGregor’s foray into Hollywood with “Road House” has provoked exit talks from his UFC career. He revealed in a Total Film interview that he was offered roles in Hollywood before. He expressed his awe of the movie-making process, claiming it fit his show business nature. His role in “Road House” was an enjoyable experience as per his interaction with MMA Fighting. The response to his performance suggests unease amongst his UFC fans, with some hoping he does not opt for an acting career instead.
Stepping into Schwarzenegger’s Shoes:
In a surprising nod to Arnold Schwarzenegger, Conor McGregor confessed that the “Terminator” star inspired his nude scene in “Road House.” McGregor went on to explain how his physical therapist Heather, with whom he shares a close bond, played a role in making that decision. McGregor’s willingness to step out of his comfort zone showcased his acting potential, exciting fans and critics alike.
Social Media Reactions:
Social media reactions mirrored the positive reviews. McGregor’s fans praised his performance, suggesting that he might be leaving his fighting days behind. Indie Wire’s review highlighted McGregor’s scene-stealing presence, further fueling the possibility of McGregor’s prolonged Hollywood stay. In another tweet, fan @MovieMantz credited the movie’s success to a myriad of elements, including McGregor’s enduring performance.
“Road House” is scheduled to stream worldwide on Amazon’s Prime Video from March 21st, 2024. As the anticipation builds, whether McGregor will hang his gloves for a permanent spot under the Hollywood lights remains a compelling story.
