The Last Rodeo
| The Last Rodeo | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Jon Avnet |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Denis Lenoir |
| Edited by | Tom Costantino |
| Music by | Jeff Russo |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Angel Studios |
Release date |
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Running time | 118 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $8 million[1] |
| Box office | $15 million[2][3] |
The Last Rodeo is a 2025 American drama film written and directed by Jon Avnet. It stars Neal McDonough (who is also a co-writer and producer), Mykelti Williamson, Christopher McDonald, Sarah Jones, and Daylon Swearengen.
Plot
grandson, Cody, collapses during a Little League game and is later diagnosed with a brain tumor. The family’s insurance and Joe’s military veteran benefits cover only about 40 percent of the necessary surgery, leaving an estimated $150,000 gap they cannot afford.[4]
Haunted by a past crash that left him paralyzed and unable to ride due to alcohol-fueled injuries, Joe decides to enter the PBR Legends Championship—a high-stakes bull-riding contest open to former champions, with a $750,000 first prize. As the oldest contestant ever, he must sign a waiver acknowledging the risk.[5]
During his journey to Tulsa for the three-night Championship, Joe reconnects with his old friend and former bullfighter, Charlie Williams (Mykelti Williamson), who agrees to guide him back into the sport despite misgivings. Along the way, Joe repairs his strained relationship with his daughter Sally (Sarah Jones), who had been his primary caregiver after his accident and set aside her own dreams to care for him.[4]
Against a backdrop of tense, realistic bull-riding scenes filmed at PBR events, Joe confronts his fears and aging body. As he competes, he rediscovers self-worth and underscores the true stakes—his grandson's life. The narrative culminates in a tense showdown in the arena, emphasizing that true courage lies in fighting for one's family.
Cast
- Neal McDonough as Joe Wainright
- Ruvé McDonough as Rose Wainright
- Mykelti Williamson as Charlie Williams
- Christopher McDonald as Jimmy Mack
- Sarah Jones as Sally Wainright
- Daylon Swearingen as Billy Hamilton
- Irene Bedard as Agisa Williams
Production
Filming took place in Owasso and Collinsville, Oklahoma, from March to April 2024.[6][7]
Release
The Last Rodeo was released in the United States on May 23, 2025.[8]
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 69% of 32 critics' reviews are positive.[9][10] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 61 out of 100, based on 6 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[11] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale.[12]
References
- ^ "Neal McDonough Saddles Up For Pro Bullriding In 'The Last Rodeo'". Forbes. May 21, 2025. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ "The Last Rodeo". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ "The Last Rodeo – Financial Information". The Numbers. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ a b O’Malley, Sheila (May 23, 2025). "The Last Rodeo Review". Roger Ebert. Retrieved July 6, 2025.
- ^ "The Last Rodeo". Moviedelic. Retrieved July 6, 2025.
- ^ Haddaway, Art (April 12, 2024). "Owasso, Collinsville become hot spots for 'The Last Rodeo' filming locations". Tulsa World. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
- ^ "The Last Rodeo Production Info – Up-To-Date Actor". uptodateactor.com. Archived from the original on January 24, 2025. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (October 31, 2024). "Angel Studios Sets Memorial Day 2025 Release For Bull Riding Drama 'The Last Rodeo' From 'Fried Green Tomatoes' Helmer Jon Avnet & Neal McDonough". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 9, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
- ^ "The Last Rodeo". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ^ "The Last Rodeo". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ "The Last Rodeo Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ "Home". CinemaScore. Retrieved May 24, 2025.