Ride

Greetings again from the darkness. Historically, we've been treated to Western movies that were heavy on tense gunfights and macho morality ... white hats vs black hats. However, if you've been paying attention these past few years, you've likely noticed a shift in tone. Westerns have become more attuned to the sensibilities of real people, and less enamored with quick-draws. This may be the directorial debut of writer-director Jake Allyn, but it's not his first rodeo (couldn't resist). Allyn wrote the screenplay and starred in NO MAN'S LAND (2020), which was directed by his brother Conor. For this film, he co-wrote the screenplay with Josh Plasse, his co-star in "The Baxters". Both men also play brothers here.

A grizzled C Thomas Howell (contrasted with his fresh-faced Ponyboy in THE OUTSIDERS, 1983) stars as John Hawkins, a former rodeo star, who walked away from his career when his wife Monica (Annabeth Gish, MYSTIC PIZZA, 1988), now the local Sheriff, birthed the first of their three kids. Son Noah (co-writer Plasse) is a clean-cut, straight arrow young man who has steered away from the bull riding tradition set by his father, his grandfather Al (Forrie J Smith, "Yellowstone"), and his brother Peter (director Allyn). Early on, we see Peter, now the black sheep of the family, being released after a four-year prison sentence. Most of the urgent attention is paid to eleven-year-old Virginia (Zia Carlock), whose cancer can only be treated at a specialty oncology center. This life-saving treatment comes with a $160,000 price tag and a financial and emotional burden on her father John that may be more than he can handle.

One of the first things to notice about this is how beautifully it's filmed by cinematographer Keith J Leman. The rodeo scenes are particularly striking as nothing is overdone or over-dramatized. John and Peter struggle to re-connect, but it's Virginia's treatment that helps the two stubborn men find common ground. Either would do whatever necessary to save her. For John, this means begging the bank for another loan, selling off his beloved horses, and finally coming to grips with the need to break the moral code by which he has always lived his life. Peter's drug habit provides an opportunity, and of course, things don't go according to plan. Soon, Sheriff Monica is working a case that may force her into her own moral choice between family and the law. Simultaneously, Deputy Dickons (Scott Reeves), who is clearly a bit too close to his boss, is eager to bring down John and Peter.

All of this takes place in Stephenville, Texas, known as the Cowboy Capitol of the world (although it's filmed in Tennessee). The '8 seconds' on a bull ride are stressed a few times, yet mostly what we have is a serious family drama filled with guilt and desperation. On the downside, the script doesn't quite meet the standard of the tone or acting. Some polishing could have elevated the entire film, and a bit less eyeliner on Allyn and reduced lipstick on young Carlock would have helped. Still, C Thomas Howell and Forrie J Smith are particularly excellent in their roles. The film makes an obvious statement on the health care and insurance industries, and the oft-repeated line, "I'm praying for you" is meant to sound as hollow as the sentiment can sometimes come across. This is a world filmmaker and actor Allyn feels comfortable with, and he does a pretty nice job with it.

In select theaters and ON DEMAND beginning June 14, 2024.

I had no preconceptions, nor had I even read the plot summary, but this movie surprised me on all fronts. The actors portray characters that are real and believable. The situations they're in are believable. Sadly, all too real with regular people like me. Importance of Family, the prodigal son, drug addiction, a cancer diagnosis too close to home, and not enough money for medical bills. The characters sharpen their moral compass and find help from each other and display humility before God. This movie is not mushy or religious, but it is a feel-good movie with tragedy and hope in equal measure. Howell & Gish play it well and all of the actors did a fantastic job.

..maybe not interesting enough to want to follow. The music constantly playing was distracting to the point where many times I just wanted to shut the movie down.

The character played by Jake Allyn that I'm supposed to feel sorry for is unfortunately so unlikable that it too is distracting. Apologies if that's the way it's supposed to be, if so, good job. But it really didn't add too much to the experience of this movie either way, except to be annoying. So good job on being an annoying character.

It's almost like the movie is so distracting from itself that it's hard to watch. Too many scenes, too many cuts, too much motion, not really that much character development, and to be honest, boring.

Sorry.

I realize this was meant to be a low budget cowboy movie which is why they cast mostly people you've never seen before.

However, I constantly found myself really enjoying the storyline but wishing there was a stronger cast to bring the story to life.

Think Josh Lucas, Luke Grimes, Post Malone, Gillian Anderson and maybe a few others you know as background characters in other more popular shows. With talents like these, and the current popularity of westerns, I think this could have been a much stronger movie.

As it is, it was an enjoyable watch for anyone who likes country/cowboy movies. I didn't have too high of expectations so the movie hit about as I expected it to.

This is a special, gritty story. It's very Texas. If you don't know what that means, you're in for a treat.

This is about a family who has been through hell, has run out of options, and unfortunately are faced with making some drastic choices. It's very honest and human, and doesn't hold back any punches to the gut.

The cinematography and pacing were very well done. A very fine editing job overall. The acting is grounded and truthful and I was locked in from the very beginning. I could also easily see this as a future series. Bravo to this team, the writers, and everyone involved. One can tell, it's in the blood...