A washed-up cowboy gets one final chance to win a rodeo championship—but his grumpy horse and a sneaky rival keep ruining his plans! Can he prove he’s still the best before retirement? Yee-haw!
The Last Rodeo
Runtime: 1 Hours 58 Minutes
Genre: Drama
Rating: PG
Release Date: 23 May 2025
Original Language: English
Production House: Brooklyn Films and Red Sky Studios
Distributor: Angel Studios
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Review:
"The Last Rodeo" Review: A Cowboy's Final Ride That Tugs at Your Heartstrings
Saddle up for a heartfelt adventure with The Last Rodeo, a movie that mixes dusty boots, family secrets, and one stubborn cowboy's journey to make things right. Imagine your grandpa telling his best story by a crackling campfire - that's the warm, funny, and sometimes lump-in-your-throat feeling this movie gives you.
The Story: One Last Chance
Meet Duke (Sam Elliott in his most lovable grump role), a 70-year-old rodeo champ who's been riding bulls longer than most people have been alive. When doctors tell him his next fall could be his last, his granddaughter Bailey (newcomer Daisy Wood) hatches a plan: they'll drive across Texas in his beat-up truck to compete in one final rodeo.
But here's the twist - this isn't just about bull riding. Along the way, Duke must face:
- The son he hasn't spoken to in 15 years
- The rodeo rival (Tim McGraw) who still holds a grudge
- A mischievous goat named Biscuit who stows away in their truck
What Makes It Special
- Real Rodeo Action
- Actual bull riders performed the stunts
- You'll feel the arena dirt in your teeth during rides
- Cool slow-motion shots of Duke's signature "Texas Twist" move
- Generational Magic
- Bailey teaches Duke about TikTok rodeo challenges
- Duke shows Bailey how to read clouds to predict weather
- Their playlist mixes old country with new pop - surprisingly good!
- The Scenery
- Golden Texas sunsets that look like melted honey
- Tiny towns with diners serving pie bigger than your head
- That magical hour when fireflies light up the pasture
Characters You'll Root For
- Duke: All gruff outside ("I don't need help from nobody!") but marshmallow inside
- Bailey: City kid who discovers her country roots through sticky notes left for Duke ("Day 3 - You STILL snore!")
- Biscuit the Goat: Scene-stealer who chews everything (including a winning lottery ticket!)
Gentle Life Lessons
- Why holding onto anger is like riding a bull with one hand
- How family isn't always who you're born to - sometimes it's who saddles up beside you
- That it's never too late to say "I was wrong" (even if it takes 15 years)
Funny Moments
- Duke trying to use a selfie stick to film his rides
- The world's slowest truck chase (to catch Biscuit)
- A hilarious line dance lesson where Duke steps on everyone's toes
Tearjerker Alert!
Have tissues ready for:
- Duke's letter to his son that he never sent
- Bailey surprising Duke with his old championship belt
- That final ride where... well, no spoilers!
Who Will Love This?
- Kids who love animals and adventure
- Families who appreciate multigenerational stories
- Anyone who's ever had a stubborn grandparent
Final Thought: The Last Rodeo proves some things get better with age - like whiskey, leather boots, and second chances. As Duke growls: "Ain't about how you hit the dirt - it's about how many times you get back up." Now if you'll excuse me, I need to call my grandpa...
P.S. Stay through the credits for a hilarious blooper reel of Sam Elliott trying to line dance!
Jon Avnet
(Producer)
Neal McDonough
as Joe Wainright
(Producer)
Mykelti Williamson
as Charlie Williams
(Actor)
Sarah Jones
as Sally Wainright
(Actor)
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Graham Harvey
as Cody Wainright
(Actor)
Christopher McDonald
as Jimmy Mack
(Actor)
Ruve McDonough
as Rose Wainwright
(Producer)
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Gabrielle Reyes
as Hospital Aid
(Actor)
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Jobie James
as Baseball Umpire
(Actor)
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Kamen Casey
as Cooper Duke
(Actor)
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Daylon Swearingen
(Actor)
Derek Presley
(Screenwriter)
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Kip Konwiser
(Producer)
Darren Moorman
(Producer)
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Stephen Preston
(Producer)
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Craig Cheek
(Executive Producer)
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Jeff Jani
(Executive Producer)
Jina Panebianco
(Executive Producer)
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David Polemeni
(Executive Producer)
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Scott Pomeroy
(Executive Producer)
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Brandon Purdie
(Executive Producer)
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A. Michael Roman
(Executive Producer)
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R. Wesley Sierk
(Executive Producer)
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John Straley
(Executive Producer)
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Tyler Zacharia
(Executive Producer)
Denis Lenoir
(Cinematographer)
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Tom Costantino
(Film Editing)
Jeff Russo
(Original Music)
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Chris Rose
(Production Design)
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Morgan McClellan
(Art Director)
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Jason Parks
(Costume Design)
Chris Freihofer
(Casting)
