Via IMDb.com
By Keith Walther
Angel Studios typically gravitates towards unique, inspiring true stories, but they stray from their normal course with this film. “The Last Rodeo,” while still inspirational, is not based on a true story despite seeming like it would be. The subject matter may not be all that exciting, but it is told from the heart, making it a compelling watch.
With his glory days long behind him, former rodeo star Joe Wainwright (Neal McDonough) has been living out his days quietly on his Texas ranch with his daughter Sally (Sarah Jones) and grandson Cody (Graham Harvey). When Cody is diagnosed with a brain tumor that requires immediate surgery, Joe’s life is turned upside down. Come to find out, insurance will only cover a fraction of the cost of this surgery with tens of thousands of dollars owed out of pocket.
Joe turns to the only thing he knows to obtain the funds quickly, the rodeo. Unfortunately, the last time he was in the sport over a decade earlier, he was left a broken man with a catastrophic injury that almost took his life. He turns to his old friend Charlie (Mykelti Williamson) to get him ready as fast as possible to be able to ride these rampaging bulls for the coveted eight seconds. Overcoming the physical limitation is one thing, but Joe must also face his past demons if he even hopes to compete and earn enough money for his grandson’s surgery.
Veteran filmmaker Jon Avnet, who has worked on over 100 productions in his career, directs and co-writes “The Last Rodeo.” Riveting storytelling has always been a strength of his like with “Fried Green Tomatoes” or “Up Close and Personal,” and he applies that strength with this film. Focusing the story on a main character with a troubled past looking to right his wrongs through courage and sacrifice allows Avnet to connect the story with his audience regardless of their interest in the rodeo. Even though it is fictional, he incorporates each scene with heart, underscoring the dramatic nature of the plot, making it feel like it really happened.
There’s only so much Avnet can do with the rodeo action sequences to elicit some sort of excitement, however. While bull riding is extremely dangerous, that danger and thrill feels subdued through the viewpoint of a camera lens, hence why the sport doesn’t attract many TV viewers in comparison to other professional sports. In fact, because of its limited interest, not many movies have been made about it with 1994’s “8 Seconds” featuring Luke Perry being the best. Avnet does a wonderful job of creating that audience interest and investment in the outcomes of the rodeo, but the action scenes themselves fall a little flat and anti-climactic.
Neal McDonough plays a part he is perfectly suited for, not only having that rugged look of a cowboy, but also exhibiting the moral compass of one. He instills a commendable sense of honor, duty, and faith in his character that viewers will find appealing, while also wearing the shadow of a darker past that makes him relatable. His character’s intense commitment to family is something that is clearly already ingrained in Neal. In fact, this is the veteran actor’s first kissing scene in a movie, having refused to do any in the past, because he’s always viewed it as a form of infidelity. His kissing scene here is during a flashback sequence with his real-life wife, Ruvé McDonough.
The supporting cast provides additional, authentic performances with Sarah Jones leading the way as the main character’s daughter. A majority of her experience has been in television with her most recognizable role occurring in Apple TV+’s “For All Mankind.” She successfully provides the emotional gravitas this film needs as the mother of an only child stricken with a serious illness and the daughter of a rodeo legend who doesn’t want to see her father once again tread down that dark path. She demonstrates some definite acting chops that should warrant bigger roles in the future.
If you’re looking for a more wholesome, inspirational type of filmgoing experience than the more violent summer blockbuster types, then this film presents itself as a nice alternative. “The Last Rodeo” is a pure-hearted movie for the whole family that leans on its storytelling. It may not be overly stimulating or award worthy, but it is a feel good experience that might hit the right way for you.
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