Road House Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A philosophical bouncer with a mullet makes the worst career choice ever by standing up to a small town crime lord, leading to escalating ridiculousness and the questionable use of a polar bear as a weapon.

🍿 Road House: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Dalton Arrives in Jasper, Missouri

Dalton, a legendary ‘cooler’ or bouncer, is hired to clean up the Double Deuce, a rowdy bar in Jasper, Missouri. The bar owner, Frank Tilghman, is desperate to restore order and attract a better clientele. Dalton’s reputation precedes him; he’s known for his philosophy degree and his lethal martial arts skills.

Conflict with Brad Wesley

Dalton’s efforts to clean up the Double Deuce bring him into conflict with Brad Wesley, a ruthless businessman who controls the town through extortion and intimidation. Wesley sees Dalton as a threat to his power and begins to sabotage his efforts. Wesley’s tactics escalate, creating tension with the townspeople.

Romance and Escalation

Dalton begins a relationship with Dr. Elizabeth Clay, further infuriating Wesley, who once had a romantic interest in her. Wesley escalates his attacks, including arson and destruction, leading to a full-blown war between Dalton and his allies and Wesley’s henchmen. The violence increasingly affects those around Dalton.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• James Dalton (Patrick Swayze): A philosophical and skilled bouncer hired to clean up the Double Deuce, leading him into conflict with a local crime boss.
• Brad Wesley (Ben Gazzara): The ruthless crime boss who controls Jasper, Missouri, and opposes Dalton’s efforts to restore order.
• Dr. Elizabeth Clay (Kelly Lynch): A local doctor who becomes Dalton’s love interest and is caught in the crossfire between him and Wesley.
• Wade Garrett (Sam Elliott): Dalton’s mentor and fellow ‘cooler’ who comes to Jasper to help him fight Wesley.
• Jimmy (Marshall R. Teague): Wesley’s top enforcer and a skilled martial artist who serves as Dalton’s primary physical threat.
• Frank Tilghman (Kevin Tighe): The owner of the Double Deuce who hires Dalton in an attempt to save his business.
• Cody (Jeff Healey): The blind guitarist and bandleader at the Double Deuce who is friends with Dalton.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dalton: “I want you to be nice until it’s time to not be nice.” – Dalton explains his philosophy for handling troublemakers to the Double Deuce bouncers.
• Dalton: “Pain don’t hurt.” – Dalton says this stoically while receiving medical treatment, showcasing his high pain tolerance and mental fortitude.
• Wade Garrett: “All you have to do is follow three simple rules. One, never underestimate your opponent. Expect the unexpected. Two, take it outside. Never start anything inside the bar unless it’s absolutely necessary. And three, be nice.” – Wade Garrett shares his wisdom on being a cooler, emphasizing respect, control, and calculated action.
• Brad Wesley: “Jasper is my town. Don’t you forget it.” – Wesley asserts his dominance over Jasper after his men destroy the car dealership, showcasing his control and ruthlessness.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $17,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $30,050,028
• Worldwide Gross: $30,052,173

💥 Road House Reviews

Personal Review

I can’t help but love Road House. It’s one of those movies that’s so bad, it’s good. I remember watching it as a kid and being blown away by Swayze’s coolness and all the fighting. The scene where he rips a guy’s throat out? Still shocking, but in a strangely satisfying way. And the monster truck destroying the car dealership? Classic! It’s a movie you can’t take seriously, but it’s a fun ride.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1980s action movies”
  • “Viewers who appreciate cheesy, over-the-top entertainment”
  • “Patrick Swayze fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense violence and fight scenes”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• The Generic Movie Reviewer: “Road House is a blast from the past, full of cheesy one-liners and over-the-top action. Swayze is surprisingly charismatic as the stoic bouncer, and Gazzara makes a deliciously hateable villain. Don’t expect high art, but do expect a fun, action-packed ride.
• The Action Flick Aficionado: “If you’re looking for realistic fight scenes and a nuanced plot, look elsewhere. However, Road House delivers on its promise of pure, unadulterated action. Swayze’s martial arts skills are put to good use, and the bar brawls are gloriously chaotic. A must-see for fans of 80s action cinema.
• The Nostalgia Critic: “Road House is a perfectly imperfect slice of 80s cinema. It’s cheesy, predictable, and often ridiculous, but that’s part of its charm. Swayze’s performance is iconic, and the soundtrack is pure 80s gold. A fun, nostalgic watch that’s best enjoyed with a group of friends.

Audience Reactions

The bar fights are epic and hilariously over-the-top!: Viewers praise the movie’s action sequences and memorable one-liners.

Swayze is the ultimate cool guy!: Fans love Patrick Swayze’s charismatic performance as Dalton.

The soundtrack is awesome and makes me want to party!: The music and bluesy vibe add to the overall entertainment.

Overall Consensus: Road House is a cult classic that’s beloved for its cheesy action, memorable characters, and iconic 80s vibes.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Marshall R. Teague (Jimmy) and Patrick Swayze initially didn’t get along, but their dedication to realistic stunts led to a mutual trust and improvisation during their fight scene, resulting in real punches and kicks. Swayze ended up with broken ribs and a busted knee.”
• “The Double Deuce and Red’s Auto Parts filming locations, situated at 24650 Arch Street, Santa Clarita, California, were demolished in 2011.”

🖥️ How to Watch Road House?

Road House (1989) is available to rent or buy on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable or satellite availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Road House, you might like these similar films:

• Walking Tall (1973): Similar theme of a man standing up against corruption in a small town.
• Cobra (1986): Features a lone hero battling against a widespread criminal element.
• Next of Kin (1989): A tough man avenges wrongs done to his family and community.
• Equalizer 2 (2018): Shares the theme of protecting the innocent and seeking revenge for fallen friends.

🛒 Road House Related Products

• Road House [Blu-ray]: Experience the mullet-powered action in high definition. The Blu-ray includes special features and behind-the-scenes content.
• Road House: Dalton’s Way – Philosophy Degree T-Shirt: Show off your appreciation for philosophical bouncers. This shirt features Dalton and a slogan.
• Road House Double Deuce Bar Sign – LED Neon Light: Bring the ambiance of the Double Deuce into your home with this neon sign. Perfect for a home bar or man cave.
• Road House: Be Nice Inspired Mug: Drink in the wisdom of Dalton’s best advice. Ceramic mug with funny Road House themed art.

🎧 Soundtrack

Road House features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hoochie Coochie Man” – performed by Jeff Healey Band
• “Roadhouse Blues” – performed by Jeff Healey Band
• “When the Night Comes Falling from the Sky” – performed by Jeff Healey Band
• “I’m Tore Down” – performed by Jeff Healey Band
• “Don’t Throw Stones” – performed by Cruzados

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jake Gyllenhaal’s Workout To Get His Ridiculous Road House Body

Ever wondered how Jake Gyllenhaal got so jacked for his new movie? This video shows his crazy training routine, giving us a glimpse into the dedication and hard work that goes into preparing for such a physically demanding role.

Roadhouse Is The Perfect Movie

Looking for a fun and nostalgic take on the classic Road House movie? This video will have you laughing and reminiscing about all the ridiculous yet endearing moments that make Road House so special.

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