As a cinephile with a penchant for raw, heartfelt dramas, I must say that “Ride” has left an indelible mark on me. The performance of C. Thomas Howell is nothing short of exceptional, embodying a character who struggles to hold his family together amidst seemingly insurmountable challenges. Yet, it’s the directorial debut of Jake Allyn that truly sets this film apart.
In the film “Ride”, C. Thomas Howell delivers an outstanding performance, marking a peak in his career. This movie is a heartfelt family drama set against a rural backdrop, with elements of crime thriller added for depth. Howell portrays John Hawkins, a former bull riding champion grappling with the challenges of maintaining his family’s unity. John is a worn and weary character, battling to give his loved ones the best life he can, but ultimately seeing it slip away due to financial struggles and past actions that return to plague him.
As the one who savored every frame of “Ride,” I must acknowledge Jake Allyn as the central force behind its creation. Not only did he direct, co-write, produce, and star in this film, but it also served as his debut directorial effort. The movie is a testament to an intense, personal journey that Allyn embarked on, gradually pouring more of himself into the project as it unfolded. This intimate investment translates beautifully onto the screen, resulting in a gripping, moving, and insightful drama that resonates with raw, unadulterated truth.
In collaboration with his dearest friend Josh Plasse, who portrays Allyn’s character as his younger brother in the movie, Allyn helped pen the script. The narrative unfolds in the quaint Texan town of Stephenville and centers around the Hawkins family. The duo crafts a captivating tale that explores a multifaceted relationship dynamic spanning three generations of bull riders, delving into the tensions that strain their familial bonds.
John, once a famous rodeo performer, is struggling financially due to mounting medical bills for their 11-year-old daughter Virginia who’s battling cancer. His wife, Annabeth Gish (who also happens to be the town sheriff), is by his side. The recommended treatment offers them renewed hope, but first, they need $40,000 just to get their child admitted into the clinic. John tries to sell belongings and borrow from his pension, but this only increases the strain on an already stressed marriage.
While away for four years in prison, John and Monica’s son, Peter (Allyn), returns to town. He rekindles his relationship with his grandfather Al (Forrie J. Smith) who aids him in readjusting and inspires him to resume bull riding. However, upon returning, Peter swiftly becomes entangled once more with his old cellmate, a drug dealer named Tyler (Patrick Murney), dragging him back into the dangerous world of drugs that led to his incarceration.
As a film enthusiast, I found myself drawn into “Ride,” a story that uncovers the estrangement between Peter and his parents due to his criminal past. They chose to cut ties during his imprisonment, refusing to communicate or visit. However, when Virginia’s life hangs in the balance, they are compelled to confront their own shortcomings and rectify past mistakes if they hope to save her. This movie is all about the core – witnessing these imperfect individuals navigate through the mess of their blunders, while simultaneously struggling under the weight of systems that seem hell-bent on thwarting them.
In a skillful manner, Allyn grounds us in his unique universe by presenting an honest depiction of rodeo culture, populated with characters who seem genuinely connected to it. This vivid portrayal is anchored by a powerful, heartfelt performance from C. Thomas Howell, backed by a strong cast. Allyn uses the narrative to deliver thoughtful critiques on social and political issues, particularly the U.S. healthcare system. However, he masterfully keeps the focus on the film’s deeply human essence, which is why it strikes a chord with viewers. “Ride” can be enjoyed on VOD platforms or purchased for home viewing.
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2024-09-02 20:56