"Ride," directed by Jake Allyn, creatively merges bull-riding competitions with crime in compelling drama. The film circles around a rodeo family who, in a bid to pay their daughter's medical bills, find themselves treading dangerous paths. The lead actors, C. Thomas Howell and Forrie J. Smith, are to be particularly commended for effortlessly blending into their roles due to their background experiences.
Howell, best known for his roles in "The Outsiders" and "Red Dawn", also has an impressive history in real-life riding and roping. At 57, he is of an age that can convincingly portray rough around the edges charisma, rivaling that of Smith, who spent years on the rodeo circuit before transitioning into film and TV work on “Yellowstone”.
In "Ride", both actors deliver remarkable performances that can engage even those unfamiliar with rodeo culture. Other cast members such as Annabeth Gish, Scott Reeves, Patrick Murney, and Allyn himself, contribute to the movie's overall success.
In the film, Allyn plays recently released ex-convict, Peter Hawkins. He's keen to score drugs to return to bull-riding and even promises to repay his dealer with rodeo winnings. While he sees some initial success, his problems multiply when he discovers that his young sister, Virginia, is battling cancer and requires a costly treatment not covered by insurance.
In his desperation to help Virginia and improve his relationship with his family, Peter orchestrates a plan to steal cash from his dealer, resulting in a nail-bitingly intense scene. The tension rises further as the consequences of the robbery unfold, with Peter and his father scrambling to cover their tracks while his sheriff mother investigates the crime.
"Ride" successfully depicts small-town life, and the bull-riding scenes wonderfully mirror the rugged and often dangerous reality of the sport. But it's the familial and societal interactions, coupled with the characters' reactions to Peter’s choices, that feel even more genuine.
The film poignantly shines a spotlight on the shortcomings of the U.S. healthcare system, and the financial strain it can inflict on families. The story resonates with audiences, offering a spectacle more honest and impactful than many films. Moreover, "Ride" subtly introduces topics of faith and redemption, further enhancing its overall appeal.
