The Last Rodeo, directed by Jon Avnet and starring Neal McDonough, delivers an emotional journey of second chances, family, and the hard-knock life of a retired bull rider. The opening scene immediately sets the tone, showcasing Joe, played by McDonough, in the midst of a life-altering event that defines his character and foreshadows the challenges he will face. As the movie progresses, we see Joe’s deep bond with his grandson, Cody (Graham Harvey), who looks up to him as a hero. However, their relationship is complicated by a strained connection between Joe and Cody’s mother, Sally, played by Sarah Jones, who gave an exceptional performance.
From the start, I was intrigued but also a little perplexed by the absence of any obvious Christian faith. While not all people of faith openly quote scripture in their everyday lives, I expected more from Angel Studios in terms of subtly weaving faith into the narrative. After nearly an hour, a pivotal moment arrives when the character, Agisa, Charlie’s wife, mentions that she prays to the “Creator.” This, alongside a scripture from the Bible much later in the film, offers a flicker of faith content, but it felt like a missed opportunity to deepen the spiritual themes.
Despite these moments, The Last Rodeo is still a well-acted and beautifully shot film, with McDonough’s performance carrying the weight of the narrative. The pacing is solid, and the emotional beats land, though there are a couple of minor hiccups. Two instances where characters respond with the cliché, “you’re joking, right?” felt out of place in otherwise serious situations. While these moments didn’t ruin the film for me, they did pull me out of the experience briefly.
In terms of faith, there seemed to be a disconnect in the storylines. Cody’s life-threatening illness, which should have been a moment for faith to surface, is handled without any reference to prayer or God. Similarly, Sally, Joe’s daughter, doesn’t experience any spiritual awakening. Joe’s own spiritual journey, especially after a significant moment with Charlie (played by Mykelti Williamson) where Isaiah 40:29 is read aloud, also feels understated. Joe’s subtle return to faith—represented by his choice to wear a cross—could have been a more powerful testimony to God’s blessings, but instead, it comes across as a passing moment.
Ultimately, The Last Rodeo feels like a mainstream film with a faint undercurrent of faith rather than a strong faith-based story. While this movie certainly offers a compelling tale of family and second chances, those looking for a clear and impactful testimony in cinema might be disappointed. My wife, Nancy, and I still enjoyed the film for its heart and performances, and we recommend it. Just don’t go into it expecting a faith-centered narrative.
Rating: 3.5/5
