Cowgirls and Angels - Movie Review

I was given pre-screening access to this film, with the stipulation of writing a review. The film is currently in theaters and is yet to be released on DVD.

Synopsis:

Cowgirls N' Angels is a heartwarming movie that tells the story of Ida, a feisty and rebellious young girl, who has dreams of finding her father, a rodeo rider. While searching for her dad, she connects with the Sweethearts of the Rodeo, a team of young female rodeo riders run by former rodeo star Terence Parker. Recognizing Ida's innate talent for trick riding, Terence recruits her for their ranks. Accepted wholeheartedly by her new "family," Ida finds a new passion that redefines her life, and may also help her find the father she's been searching for.

Review:

Taking into consideration that I'm not really the demographic being targeted for this film, I was surprised at how much I actually enjoyed it. However, I am from the south, and can enjoy a good rodeo so maybe that helped!

The story centers around a 12 year old girl who joins the trick-riding "Sweethearts of the Rodeo" in an attempt to find her dad.

THE BAD:

While the film as a whole would probably be considered "clean" by most, there are a few things worth noting. Most of my concern revolves around a side-storyline where one of the riders falls in love with a young cowboy she meets while on the road. Falling in love isn't the problem, it's the scenes of flirting, kissing, and brief drinking that raised some cautions. Some of those issues are addressed, but not as satisfactorily as I was hoping. There is also a post-rodeo dance that takes place in a bar.

In a number of instances Ida has displays disrespect to her mother and in one particular instance has more than just "a bad attitude" and ends up saying some things she later regrets. During the film she readliy admits that "I'm no angel," as she has an on going problem with lying, stealing, and deception. She does recognize these character flaws and is trying to learn better habits.

Lastly, I wasn't all too surprised to find that a film about female rodeo riders brought along a herd of wardrobe concerns. Tight jeans, and tight/revealing shirts make a number of appearances throughout the movie. I know...I know...it's a cowgirl movie, but I still think a little more discretion could have been used at times.

THE GOOD:

In the film, Terence Parker and his wife started the "Sweethearts of the Rodeo" as a way to reach out to girls who needed a fresh start. He is an old man now, with a big heart and he some important words of wisdom for Ida about telling the truth.

Bailee Madison (who plays Ida) is the star actress of the film and easily steals the show! This is one talented young actress, who will have you laughing one moment and crying the next. It's hard not to chuckle at some of her accidents and more mischievous incidents, but it's the tender moments of the story that she can really bring home and that will endear you to her and her character. There is a lot of growth for her character in this movie and seeing some of those changes happen is very heart-warming!

A rodeo preacher is also part of the Sweetheart staff, and though his role in the story is rather minimal he does have one notable and encouraging scene about belief vs. trust in God.

I wouldn't call this film "preachy" or even overtly Christian by any stretch. A few characters wear cross necklaces and God and prayer are mentioned once or twice. I would say though that most of the lessons taught throughout are consistent with Christian principles.

Easily, the most memorable quote from the film comes from Ida, "I used to think of people as a big box of crayons that God would use to scribble into His book of life. Only, up until now, I thought my color was clear."

There's also a fair bit of rodeo action, and impressive trick riding as would be expected from a film like this, but in the end it's themes of love, forgiveness and trust that ride through to win the day.

 Movie Website: facebook.com/cowgirlsnangels

Rated PG for mild thematic elements and brief language.