Family is the central theme of The Last Rodeo. Joe Wainwright (Neal McDonough) is a retired world champion bull rider. He and his family (daughter Sally (Sarah Jones) and grandson Cody (Graham Harvey) are living on the remains of their ranch.
Cody rides bulls (following in his grandfather’s footsteps) and plays baseball. Sally hates Cody riding bulls but loves his playing baseball. Safe baseball. Until he gets hit by a pitch and has to go to the hospital.
The doctors find something while checking Cody out, which will require a very pricey surgery. A surgery the family cannot afford.
To find the money for the surgery, Joe must do something he promised he would never do. He calls on his old running buddy, Charlie Williams (Mykelti Williamson), and soon the two are off to Tulsa to get Joe into the PBR Legends Championship.
Jimmy Mack (Christopher McDonald) is not at all sure he wants Joe anywhere near the contest, but Joe pushes, and eventually, with some stern restrictions, he relents.
I enjoyed watching Joe ride the bulls and deal with the “youngsters” as he tried his best to win, which included the need to beat the best of the younger generation, Billy Hamilton (Daylon Ray Swearingen). Throughout this event, Joe stays in touch with Cody and Sally as the doctors do their work.
Bull riding is watching the bulls try to get the cowboys off their backs. I have been to many rodeos, and I felt like they got these scenes right. And bull riders… can be feisty. They get that way because they put 2000 pounds (or more) of mean between their knees time after time in the challenge to stay on board for a full eight seconds. Eight very LONG seconds.
The central theme of this film is family and the unconditional love within the family. What would you do for your family? This is a well-written story that deserves the 5-star rating I am giving it.
Recently, I was allowed two opportunities to interview director Jon Avnet, Neal and Ruvé McDonough, Graham Harvey, Mykelti Williamson, Gabriel Sousa, and others connected with this film. I loved the film before I talked to them. Afterwards, I love it even more. Go see this film on the big screen!
Director: Jon Avnet
Cast: Neal McDonough, Christopher McDonald, Sarah Jones, Mykelti Williamson, Ruvé McDonough, Graham Harvey, Einar Haraldsson, Jobie James, Kamen Casey, James Frederick Spake, Gabriel Sousa, Gary Sievers, Mollie Milligan, John W Heath
MPAA Rating: PG (for thematic elements, language, and violence)
Selig Rating: 5 Stars
Runtime: 118 Min.
Release Date: 05/23/2025
Language: English
Genre: Drama
Movie Site: THE LAST RODEO Official Site
Trailer: THE LAST RODEO Official Trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.