From Angel Studios, The Last Rodeo runs the gamut of emotions. At the heart is a story of family and love.
Neal McDonough is Joe Wainwright, a retired champion bull rider. He has had a difficult life. His wife died of a brain tumor and then later he broke his back while competing. Nursing him back from the terrible accident was his daughter Sally (Sarah Jones). All of this is uncovered through discussions between father and daughter during the show.
Joe and his grandson Cody (Graham Harvey) are close and Cody wants to follow in his grandfather’s boots riding bulls, but his mother is against it. After all, it nearly killed her father and she does not want that to happen to Cody.
When Cody is diagnosed with a brain tumor (it must run in the family) Joe and Sally take him to a neurologist who specialized in this kind of surgery. They will do whatever it takes to make Cody well. But their insurance will only cover 40% of the surgery and they would be liable for over $100 thousand dollars, which neither of them has.
Joe puts his own life and fears aside and enters the Legends of Rodeo competition. If he wins, the money would go for Cody’s surgery, and Joe is determined to win. He would do anything for his family and that includes putting his life on the line if there was any chance he could win the money necessary to save Cody’s life.
Joe enlists the help of his old friend Charlie (Mykelti Williamson) with whom he has been estranged for many years. After his injury Joe cut off ties with all of his old friends, and that includes his old bestie Charlie who saw him through all his competitions and injuries.
Joe becomes the oldest bull rider in competition history and the odds are stacked against him. But that does not enter his mind. He is focused only on winning the prize money to save his grandson’s life.
It’s not going to be easy. Joe’s body isn’t as nimble as it was in his prime. That doesn’t stop him from his goal. He’s headstrong and insists on entering the competition, pleading with the man in charge, Jimmy Mack (Christopher McDonald) who at first thinks it is a joke. But he sees the steel determination in his old friend’s eyes and ultimately allows the old timer his last chance.
This will be a bumpy ride, no pun intended, for Joe. But even through the aches and pains, bruises and broken ribs, he continues to ride during the three nights of the competition.
In the meantime, Sally is back at the hospital with Cody who needs a second operation. That propels Joe on with steely determination. His family is more important to him than any pain he incurs during the rides.
Love of family is at the heart of the story. And through it all he is awakened to God and faith.
The movie was co-written by Neal McDonough who appears at the end of the film to speak directly to the audience. He implores them to pass on love and faith. He also asks viewers to tell their loved ones they love them, apologize for things if they need to, and find goodness in life. After all, no one knows how long they have on this earth.
McDonough also explains the film is about family and love, and fathers and daughters.
Faith, family, and goodness are the takeaways from the film.
Filmed with the collaboration of the Professional Bull Riding Association, The Last Rodeo will leave audiences with a profound sense of love of family, faith, and appreciation of life.
The Last Rodeo will hit theaters May 23, 2025. It’s a movie that will go directly to the hearts of viewers. It is rated PG for thematic elements, language, and violence.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
