Yeah, the movie is not big with the critics. Critics go to the movies for “film”. They want something with deep themes that they can chew their teeth into – no movies with no ambugiluty
Critics say things like, too bad they had to make the fights so violent. Or why did they have to have so many naked women? Why show off Patrick Swazyes body so much? Why drive a monster truck through a car showroom?
Why? Because sometimes movie goers just want to be entertained and crazy bar fights, topless women, guys showing off their well toned butts and watching things get smashed can be damn entertaining.
I want you to be nice… until it’s time… to not be nice.
— James Dalton, ‘Roadhouse’ (1989)
Is it so bad that the plot is predictable and Patrick Swazey isn’t totally convincing as a tough guy? The movie has Sam Elliot in it. Any movie with Sam Elliot is awesome. Any movie with a voice over provided by Sam Elliot is incredible. Even a TV commercial with Sam Elliot’s voice is worth watching.
Cops are on the take. Local business man, Wesley, is extorting the local business for protection money in the guise of a “town improvement fund” that brought in the likes of a Foto Mat and soon a JC Penney will be coming. Ironically, national chains that Wesley won’t be able to shakedown but maybe he is the developer and owner of the buildings/strip malls.
Amazingly we had never seen the original Road House movie back in the day. I guess with Patrick Swazy as the star, we passed it at the video rental store thinking it was another romance like Dirty Dancing.
It wasn’t until we saw the 2024 remake on Amazon Prime which was a fun, over the top action flick, that we decided to seek out the original on Kanopy.
“Road House” (1989) is definitely known for its, shall we say, enthusiastic approach to nudity. It’s a frequent topic of discussion when people talk about the film, and it’s not exactly subtle. Here’s a breakdown of how nudity functions in the movie:
- It’s pervasive: Nudity, particularly female nudity (although Swazey’s body is shown off a lot), is present throughout the film, often in the background or during scenes at the Double Deuce bar. It’s not limited to a single character or type of scene.
- Often associated with the bar environment: The Double Deuce is depicted as a rough-and-tumble place, and the nudity contributes to that atmosphere of wildness and excess. It’s part of the film’s portrayal of a lawless, almost frontier-like setting.
- Sometimes used for comedic effect: While not always played for laughs, some of the nudity is presented in a way that’s intended to be humorous, often involving quick cuts or unexpected situations.
- Can be seen as exploitative: It’s important to acknowledge that the way nudity is used in “Road House” can be viewed as exploitative, particularly given the context of the film and the way the female characters are often portrayed. This is a valid criticism of the film.
- Not always plot-driven: Much of the nudity in “Road House” isn’t directly tied to the plot. It’s more about creating a certain atmosphere and contributing to the overall tone of the film.
Ultimately, the nudity in “Road House” is a product of its time and contributes to its reputation as a cheesy, over-the-top action film. Whether you find it entertaining, distracting, or offensive likely depends on your own perspective. It’s certainly a prominent element of the film, and it’s something to be aware of before watching it.
Blue Collar Jobs With A Code Of Conduct
The main character in Road House, Dalton has three rules for this staff of bouncers.
- Never underestimate your opponent; expect the unexpected.
- Take it outside, never start inside.
- Be nice.
Other movies like Repo Man have scenes in which a code of conduct is expressed.
“‘I shall not cause harm to any vehicle nor the personal contents thereof, nor through inaction let the personal contents thereof come to harm’ It’s what I call the Repo Code, kid! – Repo Man
Let’s compare some film uses of the concept of rules in a unique way to reflect its themes and characters.
- Road House: The rules in “Road House” are very much about establishing a code of conduct for a bouncer in a rough bar. They are practical, aimed at maintaining order and protecting the establishment (and himself). They’re numbered and recited almost like a mantra, emphasizing their importance and the no-nonsense approach to the job. These rules are about physical dominance and control.
- Repo Man: “Repo Man” presents a more cynical and absurdist take on rules. The repo code is a strange mix of practical guidelines for the job (like “always look in the trunk”) and bizarre, almost philosophical pronouncements. The rules are less about order and more about survival in a chaotic, punk-rock world. They are often contradictory and reflect the film’s satirical view of society.
- Boiler Room: In “Boiler Room,” the rules are all about making money, and they are often highly unethical. They are less formally codified and more like a set of manipulative tactics and sales pitches. The “rules” here are about greed, ambition, and the corrupting influence of power. They are constantly shifting and being broken, reflecting the film’s depiction of a morally bankrupt world.
- The Big Lebowski: “The Big Lebowski” operates with a completely different kind of “rules.” The Dude has his own, very relaxed, code of conduct, which is essentially about taking it easy and avoiding stress. These “rules” are less about professional conduct and more about a personal philosophy of life. They are often implied rather than stated, and they are frequently broken by The Dude himself. The film satirizes the idea of strict adherence to any rules, suggesting that sometimes, “the Dude abides.”
In essence, the way rules are presented in these films reflects their different genres and themes. “Road House” is a classic action film with a clear-cut code of conduct. “Repo Man” is a satirical, punk-rock film with absurdist rules. “Boiler Room” is a drama about greed and corruption, where rules are meant to be broken. “The Big Lebowski” is a comedy about a laid-back guy who rejects the idea of strict rules altogether. Each film uses the concept of rules to create its own unique world and to comment on larger social issues.