It’s reasonable to say that there has been controversy around the release of this remake of the beloved but utterly ridiculous 1989 Patrick Swayze action movie. While star Jake Gyllenhaal claims the film was always intended for streaming, director Doug Liman is not happy the film is heading straight to Prime Video without first playing in theaters and has not been shy about venting his dissatisfaction to the public. Whatever the case, the completed movie looks stunning on any size screen and is ideal for a very enjoyable night in.
In Liman’s adaptation, the action moves from small-town Missouri to the more picturesque Florida Keys, where Gyllenhaal’s dark-past hero Dalton grudgingly consents to assist the neighborhood drinking hole in fending off constant attacks from nasty people. Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Dalton is talkative and affable, in contrast to Swayze’s aloof and mysterious character. Not only that, but he’s even more ripped, making his pro boxer from 2015’s Southpaw look like a slob, with muscles bulging from every inch of his physique.
Even with a rather conventional testosterone-fueled figure, Jake Gyllenhaal manages to discover complexity.
More remarkable than his toned physique, though, is Gyllenhaal’s ability to bring subtlety to what appears to be a rather conventional, testosterone-fueled figure. Even though it seems corny, Dalton is a whole new kind of action hero—one who is as compassionate and perceptive as he is brutally lethal when necessary. This guy grins genuinely. A great deal. However, the actor also makes sense as a warrior who is obviously enjoying himself while giving the neighborhood goons a lesson in skillfully staged group fights. For some reason, we completely believe that this man can hospitalize six bikers on his own and only suffer minor injuries.
Even Dalton’s quick relationship with Ellie, the local doctor, who is charmingly and enthusiastically portrayed by Daniela Melchior (The Suicide Squad), manages to stay away from clichés. Billy Magnusson plays a charmingly greasy character named Brandt, the main antagonist. He plays an arrogant, pink-suited fool who is determined to stick with his dad, the criminal kingpin. A group of hired goons, commanded by the real-life UFC fighter Conor McGregor in his feature film debut, join him. Although it’s a risky and contentious stunt casting choice, McGregor keeps up an amazing level of hyper-intensity the entire time. Truly, all those associated with the film—from outstanding supporting players like Lukas Gage (The White Lotus) to the bands playing at the roadhouse bar while chaos breaks out around them—bring their A-game to a remake that consistently aims to delight and surprise.