The Last Rodeo (2025) Movie Review

The Last Rodeo (2025)
Faith in Focus Movie Review
Written by Dr. Layne McDonald

Summary
​The Last Rodeo follows retired bull rider Joe Wainright (Neal McDonough) as he saddles back up in a high‑stakes competition to pay for his grandson’s surgery. Rated PG for thematic elements, mild profanity, and rodeo violence, the film depicts real‑world bull‑riding accidents, family conflict, and a single church prayer scene. Despite its heartwarming core, the presence of about 12 uses of “damn” and “hell” and two intense rodeo‑accident sequences earn it a “Not Dove Approved” designation for families seeking zero tolerance of profanity and realistic peril.

Synopsis
Joe Wainright, once a champion bull rider, has hung up his spurs—until his grandson’s medical bills force him back into the arena. Reuniting with loyal friend Charlie (Mykelti Williamson) and estranged daughter Sally (Sarah Jones), Joe confronts past regrets and the physical dangers of the sport. Through triumphs and setbacks, he discovers that true courage lies not in the ring but in sacrificial love for family.

Ratings & Parental Guidance
MPAA: PG for “thematic elements, mild profanity, and rodeo violence.”

Dove Foundation: Not Dove Approved – fails the clean‑language and minimal‑violence criteria.

Kids‑In‑Mind:

• Violence/Gore: 5/10 (two bull‑riding accidents with mild blood)
• Language: 2/10 (approximately 12 utterances of “damn” and “hell”)
  Common Sense Media: Recommended age 13+ for moderate thematic intensity and family conflict.

Content BreakdownViolence & Rodeo Action

• Two realistic bull‑riding accident scenes, featuring visible scrapes and brief spurts of blood.
• Tense but non‑physical family arguments.

Language & Profanity

• Roughly a dozen uses of “damn” and “hell” in moments of frustration.
• No use of God’s name in vain or stronger expletives.

Sexuality & Suggestiveness

• None—no romantic subplots or suggestive content.

Spiritual & Moral Themes

• A single, reverent church prayer scene underscores reliance on God.
• Joe’s journey prompts conversations about sacrifice, forgiveness, humility, and putting family first.

Age Appropriateness GradesAge GroupGrade (1–10)GuidanceUnder 101/10Rodeo risks and profanity make it unsuitable for young children.
10–123/10Moderate tension and language; preview and discuss before viewing.
13–155/10Tweens may handle it with parental context on safety and faith themes.
16+7/10Older teens can appreciate the drama; minimal discussion needed.

Parental TakeawayWhile The Last Rodeo offers a heartfelt story of family and resilience, its PG rating masks multiple instances of mild profanity and realistic rodeo danger that conflict with a zero‑tolerance faith standard. Parents of children under 13 should either skip this one or be prepared to pause frequently—turning each “damn” and every bull‑riding fall into teachable moments about faith, safety, and sacrificial love.

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