Review: The Double Deuce is the meanest, loudest and rowdiest bar south of the Mason-Dixon Line, and Dalton (Patrick Swayze) has been hired to clean it up. He might not look like much, but the Ph.D.-educated bouncer proves he's more than capable -- busting the heads of troublemakers and turning the roadhouse into a jumping hot-spot. But Dalton's romance with the gorgeous Dr. Clay (Kelly Lynch) puts him on the bad side of cutthroat local big shot Brad Wesley (Ben Gazzara).
Road House is one of my favorite cult classics of the 80's. It's got a wild, silly premise where Patrick Swayze plays a world-renowned bouncer (yes, you read that right) who has been trained in the arts of bouncing by another legendary bouncer played by Sam Elliott (who is awesome). This movie is wildly entertaining and epitomizes a movie that you can just sit back and enjoy without much additional thought. The fight scenes are extremely silly, and the lover's quarrel that emerges is even more ridiculous, but you can't help but cheer for Patrick Swayze as he kicks ass and takes names all over Jasper, Missouri. There's a healthy dosage of explosions, bar fights, martial arts, romance, and a fatality that looks like it came straight out of Mortal Kombat. What's not to like?! This movie is pure, mindless entertainment and I highly recommend it!
Fun Fact: Due to a knee injury he sustained during filming, Patrick Swayze turned down the roles of Gabriel Cash in Tango & Cash (1989) and Mike Harrigan in Predator 2 (1990). He chose to make Ghost (1990) as his follow-up instead, as it was a less physically strenuous role. The knee injury ended up being a blessing in disguise, as Ghost (1990) ended up being a big hit, and received critical acclaim.