Everything That Rises

I never really cared for depressing movies, especially when they involve kids. Dennis Quaid could have been better in this movie. I've seen him a lot better. The kid, Ryan Merriman (Nathan) stole the show with his talents as a boy cowboy. Other than that the picture was a bit of a tear jerker but too depressing for me.

This is a movie about real life. It is a movie of love, hope and family values presented in an excellent story. I would become a steady movie goer and video buyer if more of this type of movie was available. If seeing is a learning tool, this movie would surely benefit us all.

I watched this movie on VCD over 15 years ago, then I just re-watched it today and decided to give this very good movie a review.

At first I though this movie is about cowboys life (because Dennis Quaid is wearing cowboy hat on the cover and I didn't read the synopsis) and I never like cowboys movie, but after I tried to watch it for couple of minutes, hey, this is not cowboys movie, this is modern family drama which took set in the country area. This movie is a touching, heartwarming family drama with cinematic shots, it makes you feel like you're reading a novel. I love it! The story is very sad and touchy, some people might think it little bit too depressing, but the story will give you a motivation to you and your family to keep strong and face all the bad things that came/might come to your life. Just watch it.

The acting of the actors are amazing, especially for Ryan Merriman, even he's still very young but his acting was so believable, so emotional. Good job for the main actor Dennis Quaid for directing this movie!

Always having lived in "cowboy country" I appreciate the believability of this film. It portrays the type of wholesome family life the region I grew up in, the brush country of Texas, is accustomed to. Sometimes even the best men do the ranch work and leave the rearing of children to the women; this story shows men how to be loving fathers. It has a stellar cast of characters. A young neighbor's little boy, who was only 3 years old at the time I bought the video, liked it so much that I gave it to him. Now I plan to replace it, as I have a greatgrandson who will soon be old enough to enjoy it, and I think my whole family will, as well. There is a dearth of the type films which depict the values we wish instilled, so I'm grateful for this one.

This was very inspirational to my young son who lived a similar ranch life as the young man in the movie. At an early age he suffered severe electrical burns and lost most of his left hand. He mirrored the young mans determination in the movie figuring out how to do all of the Little Britches and JR. Rodeo events and continuing to High School, College and CPRA rodeos. He did very well through his years in rodeo including NLBRA world champion and a full ride college scholarship in roping and steer wrestling. He also excelled in football , basketball, and track. This movie had a deep impact on his success in life, in rodeo and other sports.

Granted the acting was not the best but the message conveyed makes it a winner.