by Rosa Parra.
It’s Memorial Day weekend, which means Angel Studios is releasing a new film (they typically release movies during major holidays). This year, “The Last Rodeo,” directed by Jon Avnet, is hitting theaters. The film stars Neal McDonough in the leading role, along with Ruve McDonough, Sarah Jones, Mykelti Williamson, Christopher McDonald, and Daylon Swearingen. It tells the story of Joe (Neal McDonough), a retired bull rider who returns to the sport after facing a family medical emergency.
At this year’s CinemaCon, “The Last Rodeo” was significant during the Angel Studios presentation. The trailer piqued my interest, and some behind-the-scenes footage convinced me to see it. Given the importance of family in my life, I have a fondness for films centered around family. Although I don’t consider myself religious, I often find faith-based films to be optimistic, and this one is no exception.
When Joe and his daughter Sally (Sarah Jones) learn about her son’s brain tumor diagnosis, they find themselves forced to seek additional financial support, as their medical insurance only covers a portion of the costs. This scenario painfully reminds me of how inadequate our healthcare system can be. Unfortunately, so many U.S. citizens are just one illness away from financial ruin, and the medical insurance industry only adds to that stress. In this film, a 50-year-old man is compelled to put his life at risk to raise money for a medical procedure—no one should have to take such dangerous measures to afford necessary care.
Additionally, the young boy’s brain tumor diagnosis mirrors what happened to Joe’s wife (Sally’s mother), ultimately leading to her death. As a result, both Joe and Sally are still grieving their loss, and Sally is experiencing various levels of stress as part of the “sandwich” generation. I could relate to Sally on multiple fronts. She must be a nurturing mother to her son and a supportive daughter to her father. Sally was Joe’s caregiver when he had the accident that forced him to retire from bull riding.
The performances in this film were extraordinary. Neal McDonough delivers a powerful portrayal of Joe, balancing emotional vulnerability with a masculine toughness that makes him reluctant to ask for help. Sarah Jones’s performance as Sally is powerful; she effectively navigates her conflicting emotions about her son’s interest in bull riding while also worrying about her father potentially returning to the sport after his accident. Mykelti Williamson as Charlie (Joe’s longtime friend) provides comedic relief while delivering a memorable performance. The dynamic between Charlie and Joe is special, with their onscreen chemistry shining through.
Joe’s determination to come out of retirement to help pay for his grandson’s medical bills is truly commendable. After all, that’s what family is all about. I found myself fully invested in Joe’s journey and was rooting for him to achieve the best possible outcome. This feel-good underdog story successfully portrays a beautiful tale of family filled with courage, resilience, love, and grief.
Overall, “The Last Rodeo” is a crowd-pleasing cowboy film that highlights a touching family narrative. While faith is present throughout the movie, it never comes across as preachy. This uplifting family film will leave you wanting to connect with your loved ones and express your feelings for them because life is fleeting.
Rating: 8 out of 10.