Slow RIDE

RIDE (Blu-ray)

2024 / 114 min

FROM WELL GO USA

Review by Mr. Bonnie, the Bull Buster😽

I’m not quite sure what I expected from Ride - if anything - but it certainly isn’t what I initially thought it would be. That’s not to say it was disappointing. The film wasn’t on my radar or watch-list, and as a reviewer, it’s difficult to be let down by a movie I probably wouldn’t have chosen to see on my own.

Still, the press release suggests something akin to a neo-noir thriller centered around a robbery, probably because it's a lot harder to sell a film that’s primarily a character study of a fractured family, even one with a quasi-romantic backdrop of the modern rodeo circuit. 

Director/co-writer Jake Allyn stars as Peter Hawkins, just released from prison after doing four years for vehicular manslaughter, which also resulted in seriously injuring his little sister, Virginia. Because of the accident - the result of his drug addiction - Jake is estranged from his parents, former bull rider John (C. Thoms Howell) and local sheriff Monica (Annabeth Gish). However, his grandfather (Forrie J. Smith) has since forgiven him, mainly because he’s also a ex-rodeo veteran and alcoholic who’s since dedicated himself to helping others recover. 

"Way-to-mosey, boy!"

Additionally, Virginia has been diagnosed with cancer. Even with insurance, the Hawkins family can’t afford the treatment program that could save her life, nor can John draw an early pension to help pay for it. A bull rider himself, Jake enters a rodeo competition with a $10,000 prize in hopes of helping out (and seeking a little redemption along the way). Though he wins, John also owes money to his drug dealer & ex-cellmate, Tyler (Patrick Murney), who plans to collect. Meanwhile, John refuses Jake’s money, not only because he assumes his son got it illegally, it’s still not enough to cover the treatment (it’s never explained how John is completely unaware his son just won the rodeo). 

The entire first hour of Ride is dedicated to Jake’s struggles with addiction, John’s efforts to raise money and the family’s troubled relationships. The characters are thoughtfully conceived and bolstered by dedicated performances, Howell’s in particular. But overall, the languid pace and consistently solemn tone might be off-putting anyone expecting much in the way of action, in or out of the arena. 

It’s only when Jake eventually insists on robbing Tyler’s house to get the needed cash that the film, however briefly, becomes anything resembling a thriller. With themes of redemption and forgiveness driving the narrative, Ride is mostly a well-meaning character portrait that might resonate with others who’ve experience similar crises, but until the resolution that wraps things up a little too neatly, it ain’t exactly a feel-good film.

EXTRA KIBBLES

CAST INTERVIEWS - 7 Individual interviews with the main cast.

TRAILER