The Last Rodeo

“The Last Rodeo” may not be bodacious, but it’s a satisfying ride.

This thoroughly predictable but undeniably engaging faith-based drama is an inoffensively old-fashioned entertainment that, with only minor tweaking, could pass for a Walt Disney Studios release of yore.

If the characters aren't three-dimensional and the plot is so predictable it creaks into motion by the five-minute mark. you haven't done the work necessary to pull in your audience. You've got to give us something to hang our cowboy hats on.

The inclusion of the wonderful Mykelti Williamson, as Joe’s longtime friend and rodeo partner, injects a buddy-movie vibe that anchors the action in riding bouts that are smoothly thrilling without being punishing.

A simple positive story.

Having faith in what one is doing is the center of this film. This tugs at the heart strings.

The film may look the part of a rugged, nostalgic Western, but the narrative scaffolding is too jumbled and self-indulgent to deliver on its emotional promise.

The Last Rodeo is a basic story that has good intentions but ultimately fails in almost every aspect. Bad direction and a poor script led to less than stellar performances from everyone involved.

It is a movie that lacks the faith to do more than what is asked for.

An inoffensive family film that at times plays out a little too safe. 
Where it lacks in nail-biting tension, The Last Rodeo makes up for it with its likable main cast who deliver solidly heartfelt performances.