By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
Angel Studios has carved out a strong reputation for delivering impactful faith-based films, with standout titles like "Homestead" and "The King of Kings." Now, the studio returns to the spotlight with its newest release,
"The Last Rodeo," a heartfelt drama that audiences were given a glimpse of during
CinemaCon in Las Vegas this past March.
Any film featuring Neal McDonough ("Homestead," "Black Spartans") and Mykelti Williamson ("Unstoppable") is bound to be elevated by their presence. Both actors bring depth and undeniable screen charisma to every role they take on. "The Last Rodeo" is no exception.
Directed, co-written, and co-starring
Jon Avnet (TV's "Manhunt"), "The Last Rodeo" follows McDonough as Joe Wainwright, a once-legendary bull rider from Texas whose best days are long behind him. Time and sport have taken their toll. His knees, back, and neck all bear the weight of years spent in the ring. More painful than the physical scars, though, is the emotional distance between Joe and his daughter, Sally (Sarah Jones, TV's "A Man in Full"), as well as the heartbreak of losing his beloved wife to a brain tumor. Joe hasn't been able to shake grief, although for a while alcohol would ease the pain.
Now, Joe is determined to patch things up with Sarah and bond with his grandson, Cody (Graham Harvey, TV's "Rabbit Hole"), who idolizes him and dreams of becoming a bull rider himself. But Sarah has other ideas. She has steered Cody toward baseball, a sport that’s far safer and one he excels at.
Just when it seems the family is beginning to reconnect, tragedy strikes: While playing baseball, Cody is hit in the head by a pitch. Though he seems fine at first, he collapses later at home. A hospital visit reveals devastating news. Cody has a brain tumor and needs emergency surgery.
How much more can one family take?
Watching Joe and Sarah unite in the face of this crisis is what gives “The Last Rodeo” its emotional spark. While their faith remains a constant source of strength, the harsh reality of mounting medical costs puts them in a bind.
With insurance covering only 40 percent of the surgery, Joe and Sally are left scrambling for more than $150,000. They consider doing everything, from selling horses and some of their land, and even their home.
That's when Joe hatches a desperate plan: come out of retirement and enter a professional bull riding competition in Oklahoma. If he wins the prize money will cover Cody's medical bills. It is a wild idea especially considering he'll be up against elite riders half his age, including real-life champion bull rider
Daylon Swearingen.
Even Joe's longtime friend and former rodeo partner Charlie Williams (a terrific Mykelti Williamson) is skeptical. But once Joe reveals what's truly at stake, Charlie steps in to help because this isn't about reclaiming past glory. It's about love and doing whatever it takes to save a family.
Initially, Joe is mocked for entering the competition and nearly gets turned away. But thanks to a favor from the event organizer, Jimmy Mack ("Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F," and TV's "Hacks"), who owes Joe from back in the day, he gets a shot.
When word of Cody's condition spreads, even Joe's critics come around, rallying support and setting up a fund to help with the medical expenses.
In the end, Joe proves he still has what it takes and not just in the ring, but as a grandfather and a man of unwavering conviction. His comeback victory is more than just a sports triumph; it's a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and the power of faith and family. And when Cody pulls through the surgery, the emotional payoff hits just as hard as any bull ride.
"The Last Rodeo" pack an emotional punch and reminds us that even in life's darkest moments, faith can often lead to the greatest victories and unexpected miracles.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Watch This Trailer For
"THE LAST RODEO"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
