The Last Rodeo (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The Last Rodeo (2025), directed by Jon Avnet and co-written by Avnet, Neal McDonough, and Derek Presley, aims to ride straight into the hearts of viewers with themes of family, faith, sacrifice, and second chances. Distributed by Angel Studios — a company well-known for Christian and family-friendly storytelling — this rodeo-themed drama stars Neal McDonough as Joe Wainright, a retired bull riding champion who risks everything to save his grandson.
This review delves into the heart of the movie’s message, performance quality, cinematic execution, and where it might land on streaming platforms in the near future.
Plot Summary: Faith, Family, and Falling Hard
Joe Wainright has long since hung up his spurs, opting for a quiet life with his daughter Sarah (Sarah Jones) and grandson Cody (Graham Harvey). But when Cody is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and his insurance won’t cover the surgery, Joe is left with one option: return to the dangerous world of professional bull riding to win the prize money needed to save his grandson’s life.
As the oldest contestant in a high-stakes competition, Joe must face his physical limitations, emotional baggage, and a deeply fractured relationship with his daughter. Alongside old friend Charly (Mykelti Williamson), Joe embarks on a redemption arc packed with pain, prayer, and — inevitably — a bit too much preaching.
Critical Review: Heart in the Right Place, Execution Off the Mark
1. Thematic Strengths
There’s no question that The Last Rodeo tries to tug at emotional heartstrings. The themes of intergenerational sacrifice, faith, and redemption are timeless. In fact, many viewers will appreciate the moral clarity and heartfelt message the film delivers. For audiences familiar with Angel Studios’ tone and values, the core message may strike a powerful chord.
However, for others, the delivery feels heavy-handed, lacking nuance, and often reads more like a sermon than a screenplay.
2. Performances
Neal McDonough leads the film with a sincere, if slightly overwrought, performance. His personal investment in the project (as actor, writer, and producer) is palpable. Mykelti Williamson and Christopher McDonald offer occasional levity and grounding, but even their seasoned chops can’t elevate the cliched writing.
Cameos by real-life bull riders add authenticity to the rodeo scenes, but it’s clear they’re not trained actors — a fact that becomes glaringly obvious in emotional moments.
3. Direction and Cinematography
Jon Avnet, an accomplished director, struggles here to strike a balance between gritty realism and sentimental spectacle. The rodeo scenes are decently shot, often using real stunts rather than CGI — a move that earns points for realism, even if the visual quality sometimes dips due to budgetary constraints.
However, scenes outside the arena lack visual appeal. Drab hospital interiors, poorly composited countryside shots, and flat lighting leave the film feeling visually uninspired.
Viewer Response: Divided Saddles
Audience reactions have been split. Some faith-oriented viewers and older demographics found the film touching and inspirational. Others — especially younger or secular audiences — found the plot tired and the pacing excruciatingly slow.
User-submitted reviews across platforms like Letterboxd and Reddit range from calling it “emotionally powerful” to “unintentionally comedic.” Some criticized its preachiness and predictability, while others praised its bold moral stance and commitment to wholesome storytelling.
Where to Watch The Last Rodeo (2025) Online
Currently Streaming?
⚠️ As of May 2025, The Last Rodeo is not yet available on any major streaming platforms or for digital rental/purchase.
Keep an eye on JustWatch for real-time availability updates.
Predicted Streaming Platforms:
Given Angel Studios’ history and distribution model, here’s where The Last Rodeo is likely to appear soon:
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Angel Studios Official Website / App – Most probable first release point.
➡️ Visit the official site -
Amazon Prime Video (Rental/Purchase) – Angel Studios titles often appear here within 2–3 months of theatrical release.
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Apple TV / iTunes – A common platform for faith-based film rentals and purchases.
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Tubi or Roku Channel – Free ad-supported platforms could host the film once the initial release window closes.
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Peacock / Paramount+ – Unconfirmed, but not unlikely if licensing partnerships emerge.
For those eager to catch the movie digitally, we suggest bookmarking the JustWatch page and checking Angel Studios’ app for early access.
Final Thoughts: A Rocky Ride with Good Intentions
The Last Rodeo is a film with its heart in the right place but not much else going for it. For fans of sentimental faith-based dramas or viewers over 60 with a soft spot for Americana grit, this may be a worthwhile ride. But for the broader audience, especially those seeking originality, pacing, or layered storytelling, it will likely feel like a slow, bumpy trek through familiar territory.
The film wears its values proudly, but its formulaic script and lack of cinematic innovation hold it back from true greatness. It tries to be Rocky on a bull — but forgets that even Rocky lost the fight.
Should You Watch?
Are you a fan of faith-driven dramas or inspired by stories of sacrifice and redemption? Then The Last Rodeo might just hit the mark.
But if you’re looking for nuanced storytelling or fresh cinematic thrills, you may want to sit this one out.
✅ Stay Updated – Monitor real-time streaming availability here: JustWatch – The Last Rodeo
✅ Follow the Official Film Page – Angel Studios – The Last Rodeo
📌 Share this review if you found it helpful — and let us know in the comments: Would YOU ride a bull to save a loved one?
