Neal McDonough stars in The Last Rodeo, leading a powerful cast in this gripping tale of faith, family, and determination. Set against the backdrop of competitive bull riding, the film follows Joe Wainwright—retired and struggling—who risks everything for his grandson‘s life.
A Return to Form for Angel Studios
Angel Studios, previously known for uneven releases like Rule Breakers and Brave the Dark, appears to be finding its stride with recent projects. Building on the momentum of King of Kings, their latest release, The Last Rodeo, stands out as a heartfelt and earnest entry in their slate. This time, the story finds resonance thanks to strong performances and a moving narrative, offering redemption after earlier missteps with tone and delivery.
The Heart of the Story: Family and Second Chances
At the core of The Last Rodeo lies the story of Joe Wainwright, portrayed by Neal McDonough, a former bull rider sidelined by a devastating injury. Years after a reckless, drunken ride ended his career and left him paralyzed, Joe has slowly rebuilt his life, learning to walk again with the help of his daughter, Sally, played by Sarah Jones. Their relationship, however, remains complicated, scarred by the past sacrifices Sally had to make as she nursed her father back to health during her own youth.
The emotional stakes rise when Joe’s grandson, brought to life by Graham Harvey, is diagnosed with a serious brain tumor—the same illness that took the life of Joe’s wife, Rose, portrayed by Ruve McDonough. Although doctors can operate before the cancer spreads, the procedure’s cost—well into the hundreds of thousands of dollars—is beyond the family’s means. With insurance and benefits falling short, Joe sees only one option: to compete in a high-stakes bull riding contest for retired champions, where the winner takes home $750,000.
Risk and Redemption in the Arena
Re-entering the dangerous world he once left behind, Joe faces not just old adversaries in the ring but the risk of further injury. The choice is loaded with personal history—the fall that nearly killed him years ago, and the enduring strain on his relationship with both his daughter and the rest of his family. This is more than a story of proving oneself; it’s about sacrifice and the hope of making things right.
Neal McDonough’s commitment to the role goes well beyond acting; he also serves as producer and co-writer for the film, deeply investing in every aspect of its creation. While he left the director’s chair to Jon Avnet, McDonough’s presence is felt both on screen and behind the scenes, shaping the story’s emotional authenticity and drive.
Jon Avnet’s Directorial Touch: Tradition and Innovation
Jon Avnet helms The Last Rodeo, bringing decades of experience to the project. Known for producing iconic films like Risky Business, The Mighty Ducks, and Black Swan, and for directing works such as Fried Green Tomatoes, Avnet focuses on character-driven storytelling here. His approach puts viewers squarely into the world of a bull rider, using point-of-view sequences and smooth handheld camera work to create a visceral sense of action, but without sacrificing coherence or comfort for the audience.
While Avnet’s filmography has included both critical hits and misses—collaborating with talents like Pacino and De Niro in projects that have seen mixed receptions—his work on The Last Rodeo is centered on grounding the story in real emotion and lived experience, rather than simply spectacle or flash.
Performances That Elevate the Drama
The film benefits greatly from its cast. McDonough delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man torn between regret and resolve, while Sarah Jones brings depth to the role of Sally, displaying the lingering wounds of a life interrupted by crisis. Mykelti Williamson, famous for his role in Forrest Gump, stands out as Joe’s manager, Charlie—a fellow veteran whose friendship and camaraderie with Joe rings true thanks to the chemistry between Williamson and McDonough.
Their dynamic drives much of the movie’s exploration of faith and resilience. Williamson’s portrayal of Charlie is especially poignant—he carries a Bible and shares passages during moments of uncertainty as the two travel together, lending a quiet, thoughtful spirituality to the film.
Avoiding Preachiness While Embracing Grit
Though faith and the tension between belief and suffering play a subtle role in the story, The Last Rodeo does not lean heavily into religious messages or overt moralizing. Compared to other faith-based films like King of Kings or God’s Not Dead, this film opts for a lighter touch, addressing spiritual questions in passing rather than as central plot elements. Joe’s anger towards God over his family’s grief is portrayed honestly but doesn’t dominate the narrative. This restraint gives the film more universal appeal, even as it addresses deep personal hardships and questions.
Cinematic Strengths and Weak Spots
The Last Rodeo sets itself apart in several technical aspects. The main cast, led by Neal McDonough, anchors the emotional heart of the film, while the supporting cast, including real-life bull riders, injects authenticity, though at times their performances lack polish. The film’s serious tone, complemented by convincing CGI—superior to some recent big-budget efforts like Marvel’s—helps immerse the viewer in the high-stakes world of bull riding. Cinematography stands out for both clarity and creative perspective, making scenes in the ring both gripping and accessible.
However, not everything lands perfectly. A late narrative twist somewhat undercuts the story’s central premise, but without doing significant damage to its overall emotional payoff. Meanwhile, authenticity in rodeo action sometimes comes at the expense of seamless acting, with genuine bull riders delivering less convincing performances in dramatic scenes.
A Movie for Fans of Grit and Heart
For those interested in faith-adjacent cinema that leans into character, grit, and family, The Last Rodeo should resonate. Neal McDonough stars in The Last Rodeo with conviction, anchoring a tale built on sacrifice, complicated relationships, and the pursuit of hope amidst hardship. Alongside Jon Avnet’s steady directorial approach and notable performances from Sarah Jones and Mykelti Williamson, the film signals a promising direction for Angel Studios, showing that honest, moving storytelling can connect with audiences beyond formulaic scripts or heavy-handed messaging.
As the dust settles on Joe Wainwright’s last ride, The Last Rodeo stands as a reminder that courage sometimes means facing the past head-on, for the sake of those you love, even when the odds seem insurmountable. The legacy of characters like Joe, and the cast that brings them to life, suggests that heart—and a bit of grit—can still make for compelling cinema.
