MOVIE TITLE: The Last Rodeo

This dramatic film opens in theaters on May 23, 2025 for Memorial Day weekend.

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour 53 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A

IN A NUTSHELL:

The story is about a 50-year-old man who returns to the sport of bull riding after a crisis strikes his family. This is the first movie to be produced and distributed by Angel Studios. If you’ve seen my reviews over the years, you know I’m a huge fan of Angel Studios because they truly try to put out films that are inspiring and uplifting. Their motto is to “amplify light.” Impressive and greatly needed in this world.

On a personal note, my dad used to own acres of land in Utah where horses were kept. The man who oversaw the property and horses was a bull rider with sons who followed in his footsteps. Those men are a different breed of man…all grit and determination. This movie was produced in association with the Professional Bull Riders Association.

The film was directed and co-produced by award-winner Jon Avnet. It was written by the director, Derek Presley, and lead actor Neal McDonough.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Some “light” profanity
Talk of the death of a spouse
We see a shirtless man
A man punches a wall
We see some wounds.
Someone ends up in the hospital for 2 surgeries.
Men fight in a bar
Alcohol

THEMES:

Family
Duty
Fear
Sacrifice
Courage
Faith
Forgiveness
Reconciliation
Professional bull riding

THINGS I LIKED:

I really like Neal McDonough and respect him so much as an actor. Once married, he made a promise to his wife that he would never kiss another woman, even during a movie. In this film, his real-life wife plays his character’s wife! We see them kiss in flashback scenes, making this their first on-screen kiss together. He and his wife also worked as two of the producers of this movie. And those piercing, blue eyes! The two of them have been heavily involved with Angel Studios this past year, including putting together the movie Homestead, which is spilling into a series on the Angel Studios network. You can see my review of Homestead at https://moviereviewmom.com/homestead-movie-review/
Other cast members include Sarah Jones, Christopher McDonald, Graham Harvey, Mykelti Williamson, Gabriel Sousa, and Kamen Casey.
Beautiful cinematography.
We get to cross over the red river between Texas and Oklahoma. Wow! It was really red!
It’s fun to see a cameo performance of the “Star Spangled Banner” by Lee Ann Womack before one of the tournaments.
As far as the bull riding goes, it looks gritty and authentic, and feels scary and thrilling. We get a realistic glimpse into the passionate word of bull riding. Well done. I’ve been in Las Vegas during “Cowboy Christmas” during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and that crowd takes it all very seriously while having a blast. The famous Strip and airport in Vegas are filled with cowboy hats and hoopla.
We learn that being “grandfathered in” means that if you’re born before 1993, you get to decide if you’re going to wear a cowboy hat or a helmet during your bull ride.
It’s not a Christian movie in the traditional sense, but faith and scriptures are mentioned.
The slow-motion cowboy walk made me laugh out loud.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

If you’re triggered by masculinity that you call “toxic”, this is definitely not the movie for you.
This would have been even better if it had been a true story!
It’s a bit predictable.

FUNNY LINES:

A young boy swears. His grandfather asks him, “Who taught you how to talk like that?” The boy replies, “You.”
“You fell to pieces and I called you out, cuz that’s what friends do.” – Charlie Williams (Mykelti Williamson)
“What is that: chocolate milk?” – Joe Wainright (Neal McDonough)
“Never a dull moment.” – Jimmy Mack (Christopher McDonald)

INTERESTING LINES:

“You make a lot more money on a diamond (baseball field) than you do on a bull.” – Joe Wainright (Neal McDonough)
“It never gets old.” – Sally Wainright (Sarah Jones) when looking at a gorgeous view of meadows and a lake
“It’s for Cody. Goodnight, Blue Cheese! It’s not about you!” – Charlie Williams (Mykelti Williamson)
“Time is a conceit.” – Charlie’s wife
“I just gotta let go and move forward.” – Sally Wainright (Sarah Jones)