The Last Rodeo
The Last Rodeo
Stars: Neal McDonough, Sarah Jones, Mykelti Williamson, Christopher McDonald, Graham Harvey, Daylon Swearingen and Ruve McDonough
Director: Jon Avnet
Scriptwriters: Neal McDonough, Jon Avnet and Derek Presley
Composer: Jeff Russo
Cinematography: Denis Lenoir
Red Sky Studios/Angel Studios
Rating: PG with scenes of rodeo animal violence
Running Length: 155 Minutes
Actor Neal McDonough is noticeable in each film he is in, not only for talent, but for his signature white hair. In “The Last Rodeo,” McDonough acts the part of Joe, the grandfather who is trying to save the life of his grandson, Cody. The topic here is bull riding in rodeos and as Joe Wainright, McDonough must have the stamina to go back into this sport to aid the grandson. The scriptwriters, Neal McDonough, Jon Avnet and Derek Presley present the audience with a story of love and danger, all in one package. The word “grandfather” takes on new meaning.
As the storyline goes, bull riding is a family tradition. Cody (Graham Harvey), the grandson is an active boy in sports, but one day collapses. Verdict is a brain tumor to the shock of the family. When the family finds out that an operation will be highly expensive, they must decide how to obtain this money for Cody. Time is running out and Joe, with the help of a friend, Charlie (Mykelti Williamson) goes into training to go back and try to stay on a rodeo bull for eight seconds-----which seems like forever when you are hanging on for dear life. All the while, Joe has confidence in his faith and that his late wife, Rose (Ruve McDonough) is with him. Will Joe succeed? With the size of rodeo bulls these days, it is like trying to stay on top of an armored tank.
Photography is first rate in “The Last Rodeo” and Denis Lenoir knows just the angle to get a good shot, while music by Jeff Russo is beautifully done. Against, this background, acting is quite good, centering on Neal McDonough’s portrayal of the aging bull rider. He makes the audience want him to continue in this race of time. Mykelti Williamson is the friend to have with you and his side comments at just the right time, propel the story along. Sarah Jones is the mother of the grandson, and her intense moments are quite real. All in all, the cast is quite a unit.
Having faith in what one is doing is the center of this film. This tugs at the heart strings. Going ahead with a major project and not knowing if it will work or not, requires intensity and it shows here. Pulling together for a cause, but having danger involved, also, is taken in stride. In order to succeed, you must “walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” The promise at the end is fulfillment of your cause.
Four Tocks
Copyright 2025 Marie Asner
