Rodeo Girl

Rodeo Girl (2016) is a family drama movie that stars Kevin Sorbo, Joel Paul Reisig, and Carrie Bradstreet. The film revolves around an exhilarating journey of a young girl who wants to make a name for herself in the rough and tumble world of rodeo competitions. Directed by Joel Paul Reisig, the movie manages to portray not only the spirit of competition but also the importance of family, friendship, and unwavering determination.

The film begins with Priscilla (Sophie Bolen), a Detroit teenager, who is sent to live with her estranged father, Duke (Kevin Sorbo) in the countryside during the holidays. Leaving behind her fast-paced city life, Priscilla now has to adjust to a vastly different countryside routine. Her father, Duke, is a former rodeo champion. Duke lives a somewhat secluded life on his ranch, training horses for rodeos.

With urban sophistication and preferred hobbies like shopping, cheerleading, and hanging out with friends, Priscilla initially finds little in common with Duke’s simple country lifestyle. The constant cheerleader finds herself in a world full of dirt and cowboys; a stark contrast to the city lights and shopping malls she’s used to.

However, her fate takes a turn when she encounters a beautiful black horse named 'Dallas'. Despite his reputation of being untrainable, Priscilla feels an inexplicable connection with Dallas. Brought together by a mutual sense of yearning filled with tranquillity and rebelliousness, the two form an unbreakable bond.

Dallas, who once was a rodeo champion himself, had lost all self-confidence after a tragic accident. Seeing her own reflection in his soulful eyes, Priscilla vows to help Dallas regain his lost confidence and resume his rightful place in rodeo competitions.

As Priscilla spends more time on the ranch, she is introduced to the world of rodeos by her father and his close friend TJ (Joel Paul Reisig). With her interest piqued, she decides to enter the rodeo world herself and begins training Dallas, to the surprise of everyone, including her father. Despite the initial hesitations and difficulties adjusting to the rodeo lifestyle, Priscilla remains determined, and her relationship with her father undergoes major positive changes.

Kevin Sorbo efficiently portrays the role of Duke, a man with a hardened exterior from years of ranch living and the rodeo business, but a soft and caring father figure underneath. Sorbo's portrayal of Duke is both compassionate and realistic, reflecting the complexities of being an estranged father trying to rekindle a bond with his daughter while also supporting her newfound passion.

Carrie Bradstreet (as Priscilla’s mother, Rebecca) does an excellent job portraying a concerned mother, with a complex history with Duke, trying to come to terms with her daughter's new life and interests.

Rodeo Girl is a heartwarming family film that combines the high-spirited energy of horse racing, the grit of rodeo riding, and the powerful emotions of familial bonding. It is a compelling story of conviction, resilience, and ambition as the young Priscilla not only navigates the competitive rodeo world but also the complexities of building relationships with her estranged father and a previously untrainable horse.

Venturing into a sport so physically demanding and witnessing its intense competitions, Priscilla's willpower and determination are put to the ultimate test. The movie also does a commendable job of showcasing the close relationship that can be forged between humans and animals, and how both can help in each other's recovery.

With splendid landscapes of the countryside, action-filled rodeo scenes, and a heart-touching storyline, Rodeo Girl appeals to both horse enthusiasts and viewers looking for a light-hearted family drama. It is enriched with the performances of its main characters, yet the true star of Rodeo Girl is the unique bond between a young girl and a horse, a bond helping each other regain their lost confidence and reintegrate into their respective worlds.

If you are a fan of horses, rodeos, or a family drama that keeps you glued to your seats, then "Rodeo Girl" is definitely worth a watch. It's an inspiring film about overcoming challenges, picking yourself up from failures, and following your dreams, no matter how out of the ordinary they may seem. Above all, this movie is about the powers of love, friendship, and determination in all spheres of life.