Cowgirls 'n Angels

Ida Clayton (Bailee Madison) has a huge chip on her shoulder. First, her mother Elaine (Alicia Witt) is a single parent who, naturally, has to work tons of hours. Therefore, many days Ida is stuck looking after herself. Then, if that weren't enough, the young twelve year old has never met her father. Mom tells Ida that he split long ago, leaving them both high and dry. Finally, although Ida adores horses and knows that her grandfather was a famous rodeo rider, Elaine won't let her near any stables. The absent dad, you see, was a rodeo cowboy, too. Nevertheless, Ida often hangs around the horses, for what Mother doesn't know, the small gal won't tell her. As it happens, there is a small group of young lady rodeo cowgirls near her town in Oklahoma, run by a gentleman, Terrence (James Cromwell) who knew Ida's grandpa. The two, in fact, were in the same rodeo act themselves. One fateful day, Terence saves Ida from getting hit up with a shoplifting charge and the two become friends. Knowing an interest in horses will likely keep the girl out of trouble, he asks her to be part of his act, The Rodeo Angels. She does, indeed. Ida even forges the permission letter from her mama to get in the game. Also, the young gal promises to keep an eye out for a man named Walker, on the rodeo circuit, for THAT PERSON is her dad. But, how long will Ida be able to keep her activities a secret from her mother? And, since Ida still gets into trouble by defying rules, will she be able to stay in the group? This is a wonderful family film, showing a part of the sports world which with not everyone will be familiar. The scenes in the West and in the rodeo ring are pretty impressive and fetching. Madison and Witt do a fine duet as the conflicted mother and daughter while old pro Cromwell does his usual superior work. The rest of the cast, not well known, is quite nice as well. Finally, the film has very good lessons on obedience, perseverance, and self-acceptance that will register strongly with most viewers. Looking for a treat for yourself and the kids this weekend? Why, let these cowgirls entertain you!

I have waited forever to see this movie. Seen a preview and knew it was something I wanted to see. Unfortunately I don't believe it ever made it into our local theater so as soon as it was on DVD I rented it and after watching it and loving it I will be going out to buy it not only for my house but for my moms as well. It is great family entertainment. Very real emotions and I cried and laughed and loved it. The cast is the best around they did a stand up job. I wouldn't have changed a thing about it. You don't have to be a horse lover to love this, but I am and that was just a perk. I hope to see this cast together in the future, hopefully more movies like this will be made.

I loved this movie the first Cowgirls N' Angels it was a great movie. Everything I've seen Bailee Madison in so far I have liked like this movie & the Christmas movies I've seen her in. As I myself grew up as a foster child I like how Ida found her natural talent & a whole different new group of good family & friends. I am an animal lover my self I grew up on a farm in Northern Virginia before my great uncle died when I was 11 which is when I started going through the system of foster care & group homes so we had lots of animals so I like any movies that has lots of animals. This is a great movie.

This is a terrific film, full of heart without being sappy, with believable characters and a wonderful story. It's a shame a film like this doesn't get widespread theatrical distribution anymore. I would have died to have a film like this to take my daughter to when she was of the right age (8-15). This one captures the imagination without an avalanche of sound and fury, topical jokes or plain silliness. But the biggest testament is that I saw this with an audience of youngsters, and they watched with great concentration, quietly, engrossed in the story. I'm not sure I've ever witnessed this before. It reminded me of my own childhood favorites, My Friend Flicka, Fury, and the live-action films Disney doesn't make anymore. James Cromwell and Frankie Faison are a couple of solid actors, and here they are together, with an ensemble of incredible young actresses playing a troupe of trick-riders on the rodeo circuit. Take your kids to see it if at all possible. If not, find the DVD--it's worth seeking out.

I recently had the opportunity to screen this sweet family movie. 12 year old Bailee Madison is the adorable (and yes, "feisty and rebellious") main character who is driven to find the daddy she has never known. She talks to a poster she has of Walker (remember the Texas Ranger? smile...I had to explain who he was to my 8 year old...) on her bedroom wall. In her search to "belong" she is taken in by the Sweethearts of the Rodeo. Here she finds a safe place of unconditional acceptance and begins to discover that her color in "God's crayon box" is not determined by anyone else...nor is it just "clear" ☺. Happy watching!