The Last Rodeowallows in melodrama and sluggish pacing, but tells an honest story with pertinent themes as an aging bull rider rediscovers his Christian faith in a desperate effort to raise money for his grandson’s surgery. How many families have resorted to drastic measures when unable to pay for a loved one’s healthcare? Their choices become stark and unforgiving in the face of looming tragedy, and the film paints a realistic picture with a wholesome embrace of traditional values and religious purpose. This approach may be divisive to some, but should be viewed through the lens of authentic belief.
Neal McDonough stars as Joe Wainwright, a three-time rodeo champion and circuit icon who suffered a catastrophic injury while drunk. The film opens with Joe remembering his deceased wife (Ruvé McDonough) cheering him on in the stands, until her happy reaction is clouded by an ominous development. In the present, Joe watches his grandson Cody (Graham Harvey) train as a bull rider. Joe’s proud as punch, but his daughter vehemently disagrees with this path.
Faith in Bull Riding
The Last Rodeo
Sally (Sarah Jones) warns her father to stop supporting Cody’s rodeo ambitions: Bull riding almost killed him, and she won’t let her son follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. Fate cruelly intervenes the following day, when Cody becomes dizzy and vomits after being hit by a pitch at his little league baseball game. A trip to the emergency room reveals an urgent problem, and Cody must be operated on immediately. But Sally’s insurance will only cover 40% of the cost. She’ll need at least $100,000 to cover the rest.
Joe promises the hospital that he’ll get the money in a matter of days, and calls an old friend for help.Charlie Williams (Mykelti Williamson)is gobsmacked when Joe tells him his audacious plan. The PBR Legends Championship, in which former champions compete against rodeo’s biggest stars, begins soon in Tulsa, Oklahoma. And Joe aims to win the million-dollar prize, despite his broken-down body and more than a decade out of competition.
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The audience understands what’s at stake inThe Last Rodeowithin minutes. Charlie thinks it’s suicide to even try, but trusts his unwavering faith in God to help him shepherd Joe through this crisis. The pacing then grinds to a halt as their collective past is explored with laborious dialogue, and the film loses significant tension as Joe and Charlie banter about their hurt feelings.
Director/co-writer Jon Avnet, a Hollywood veteran responsible forRisky Business,Fried Green TomatoesandThe Mighty Ducks, takes his foot off the narrative pedal in favor of heavy-handed exposition. This makes sense to a point: Joe and Charlie have to hash out the things that drove them apart. But the sequence becomes strained and dull ,given the magnitude of the current situation. They can’t forget their differences, but it’s illogical for them to have a therapy session while Cody’s in danger.
Family Values
Here’s the twist: Joe blames God for the tragedies in his life.He lost his beloved wife, and now an innocent boy is at risk. Why would God punish a family that has already suffered so much? Charlie responds with prayer and Bible verses, and Joe, despite his grief and anger, must treasure the love he has and pray for a way forward. Still, the sermon rings hollow until Joe’s perseverance and toughness begin to pay off.
The Last Rodeoaddresses an obvious question with a theological answer. Joe’s unwilling to tell others the real reason for his sudden return. He doesn’t want pity or handouts for Cody, which is ridiculous with a child’s life in the balance. Then Charlie, in his dual role as preacher and trainer, prods Joe to recognize a higher power. Joe has to learn to accept charity and not place the burden of raising money for Cody’s surgery all on himself, teaching viewers that it’s okay to ask for help and let others know you’re in distress. This is the film’s best lesson, one that stands above its blatant religious intentions.
McDonough looks absolutely shredded in a tough and physical performance, and Avnet uses slick editing, slow motion andGoPro camera shots to capture the frenzied bucking.We never see close-ups of Joe’s face while he’s riding, but you’re satisfied that he’s being tossed around, to bone-shattering effect. McDonough sells the pain and grit of a grandpa who’ll sacrifice his body for greater good; this terrifies Sally, but she grows to respect and appreciate the risk he’s taking for Cody.
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The Last Rodeoneeded a leaner edit, as the film struggles to bounce back from unnecessary scenes like Charlie harping on about war monuments. Thankfully, the bull riding takes center stage in the third act, leading to a rewarding climax that rescues the plot just when your eyes start to droop. In the end,The Last Rodeoachieves its goal of uplifting positivity. You don’t have to be a Christian to appreciate that message.
The Last Rodeois a production of Brooklyn Films, The McDonough Company and Red Sky Studios. It will be released theatrically on May 23rd from Angel Studios.
