The Last Rodeo

The Last Rodeo is the kind of movie you've probably seen many times before, but it hits almost all the right notes and succeeds in providing a good story with emotion. There are three big things The Last Rodeo has going for it:

1 Neal McDonough. He's immensely likable and although his character is a man of few words, what he does say is important.

2) Faith-based movies often "shoehorn" in the gospel message, but The Last Rodeo incorporates faith in an organic manner. It's part of the story and feels natural. It also helps propel the story into a more emotional state without being cloying.

3) The rodeo scenes are well done and actually build suspense. With each ride the stakes are raised, and to the movie's credit it doesn't tip its hand. We never know who's going to win - and who may not survive.

The Last Rodeo is a well made movie with a positive message. There are a lot worse ways to spend a couple hours.

Greetings again from the darkness. Jon Avnet long ago established himself as a Director of such films as FRIED GREEN TOMATOES (1991) and RIGHTEOUS KILL (2008), and also as a Producer of films including RISKY BUSINESS (1983) and BLACK SWAN (2010). Beyond that, a significant portion of his career has been spent on television series, including two excellent ones in "Boomtown" and "Justified." In his latest film, the writer-director reunites two of the fine actors he worked with in those series, Neal McDonough and Mykelti Williamson. Avnet co-wrote the script with McDonough and Derek Presley.

Joe Wainwright (a ripped McDonough) is a legendary bull rider whose career ended when an injury required surgery on his neck and spine. Now, the three-time champion is many years past his rodeo days and lives a quiet existence on the ranch that he slowly sells off piece by piece to make ends meet. His wife Rose passed away and is buried on the ranch, and Joe longs for a closer relationship with his daughter Sally (Sarah Jones, CHEMICAL HEARTS, 2020) and her son Cody (Graham Harvey, "The Night Agent"). Sally is a protective mom who doesn't appreciate Grandpa encouraging him to rodeo. Instead, she prefers her boy play baseball, where during a game, Cody gets plunked in the head.

Cody's trip to the doctor reveals a brain tumor similar to the one that took Rose's life. Sally and Joe are stunned when they learn the cost of the surgery that could save Cody. Of course, we know where this is headed. Far-too-old and broken-down Grandpa wants to head back to the rodeo to earn the necessary funds and save his grandson's life. To do this, he calls a long-estranged friend, Charlie Williams (Mykelti Williamson), to help him. In addition to being Army buddies, Joe and Charlie were both bull riders ... well until Charlie's injury forced him to transition to bull fighter (in the dirt) in support of Joe.

The first half of the story serves as background for all the characters so that we understand why Joe is doing this, why Charlie is helping, and why we should be rooting for their success. We do get a brief training montage, and Charlie recites bible verses to Joe, who has lost his faith. He wonders why God would first take his wife, and now put his innocent grandson in peril. It should also be noted that Charlie thinks the idea of Joe riding again is a bit crazy, and poetically accuses him of having his "mind riding south".

The road trip to Tulsa for the PRB Legends Championship finds Joe being disrespected by the younger riders, including current champion, Billy Hamilton (real life bull rider Daylon Ray Swearingen). The rodeo is run by Joe's old buddy Jimmy Mack (Christopher McDonald, HAPPY GILMORE, 1996), and it seems odd that we meet no other 'legends'. Despite a few hiccups (some quite painful), Joe gets his ride.

This film uses the rodeo, but the core theme here isn't so much redemption (as it is with most sports movies), but rather love of family and reconnecting with one's faith. Values-based distribution company Angel Studios produced the film, and the message (with a light touch) rings clear ... be a good person. It's rated PG and there's a cameo from Lee Ann Womack and song by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Opens nationwide in theaters on May 23, 2025.

The Last Rodeo is a heartfelt family film with strong performances and a touching story about resilience, second chances, and the power of family bonds. While it may not be a groundbreaking masterpiece, it's a well-crafted, emotionally rich movie with genuine acting and a well-paced plot that appeals to viewers of all ages. The cinematography captures the rural charm beautifully, and the soundtrack complements the mood. Most in our group rated it a 6.8/10, reflecting its warmth and entertainment value. It's a solid choice for a cozy family movie night. It gives Yellowstone vibes, so if you enjoyed that series, you should love this movie.

There's so much to love about this. It's the story of a retired injured bull rider regaining his confidence, heart and soul when his grandson has a medical condition that insurance doesn't cover. It shows how to re-find ourselves we must make amends with the past. It moves fast, stays on point and doesn't gloss over tough issues. Watching the characters go through their darkness and pain can help anyone watching let go of their past in great ways. Exciting and upbeat. Loved the rodeo action and the riders. One of my favorite things: that our faith in God starts with/requires us to have faith in ourselves.

I loved the message and the story. Personal and family commitment is alive and well in real life. This is an exemplary example of what America is like.

It has passion, drive and a reference ro the almighty that guides our daily lives. A great family film that all will appreciate.

The actors are deeply involved in the story and it shows. Great action. Sequences, good sets and locations all top notch.

I particularly liked story set in rural America, but it could apply anywhere. A lot of love an drive was displayed in the film. Angel Studios is the rising star and one to watch. Their films have been very inspiring.