This remake of the iconic 1989 Patrick Swayze flick is fine enough for what it is (testosterone-fueled mayhem) but unfortunately takes itself way too seriously to succeed as the cheesy bit of mindlessness it could (and should) have been. Much of the appeal of the original was the almost-goofy, tongue-in-cheek presentation—as if everyone was in on the joke. This go-’round, though, Jake Gyllenhaal leads the way and brings a level of gravitas that feels sorely out of place. It’s not his fault, though; the dark and often heavy script doesn’t allow for very much fun—just a lot of brooding and a LOT of burly men beating the crap out of each other.
2.5/5 stars