Cowgirls 'n Angels

I took my 12-year-old daughter and her five friends as a birthday treat at a theater in Omaha. Well, now they all want to be trick riders, which is pretty cute. Fun to watch them stand on a hay bale doing the hippodrome. The movie really affected us. I could tell that it's not a real high budget film, but the emotions that it portrays are so powerful. And the performances are very genuine and believable. My girls love Bailee Madison and they all thought this was her best performance so far in her career. As a father it is a great film for fathers and daughters to watch together because that is basically what it is about. We highly recommend the film. And what's really nice is that it's appropriate for everyone in the family.

Ida Clayton (Bailee Madison) has a huge chip on her shoulder. First, her mother Elaine (Alicia Witt) is a single parent who, naturally, has to work tons of hours. Therefore, many days Ida is stuck looking after herself. Then, if that weren't enough, the young twelve year old has never met her father. Mom tells Ida that he split long ago, leaving them both high and dry. Finally, although Ida adores horses and knows that her grandfather was a famous rodeo rider, Elaine won't let her near any stables. The absent dad, you see, was a rodeo cowboy, too. Nevertheless, Ida often hangs around the horses, for what Mother doesn't know, the small gal won't tell her. As it happens, there is a small group of young lady rodeo cowgirls near her town in Oklahoma, run by a gentleman, Terrence (James Cromwell) who knew Ida's grandpa. The two, in fact, were in the same rodeo act themselves. One fateful day, Terence saves Ida from getting hit up with a shoplifting charge and the two become friends. Knowing an interest in horses will likely keep the girl out of trouble, he asks her to be part of his act, The Rodeo Angels. She does, indeed. Ida even forges the permission letter from her mama to get in the game. Also, the young gal promises to keep an eye out for a man named Walker, on the rodeo circuit, for THAT PERSON is her dad. But, how long will Ida be able to keep her activities a secret from her mother? And, since Ida still gets into trouble by defying rules, will she be able to stay in the group? This is a wonderful family film, showing a part of the sports world which with not everyone will be familiar. The scenes in the West and in the rodeo ring are pretty impressive and fetching. Madison and Witt do a fine duet as the conflicted mother and daughter while old pro Cromwell does his usual superior work. The rest of the cast, not well known, is quite nice as well. Finally, the film has very good lessons on obedience, perseverance, and self-acceptance that will register strongly with most viewers. Looking for a treat for yourself and the kids this weekend? Why, let these cowgirls entertain you!

Don't know what to say, just watch it. It's a lovely and heartfelt story about a little girl called Ida Clayton who wants to be a cowgirl so she can find her father. Family and dream are the main focus of the movie, and some romance too. Not too much about relationship in this movie, i surely wanted to see how Ida was bounded with the team. Also I wanted to know more about Ida's family too. A couple of minutes of the Clayton Family would be appreciated. The background music was a bit odd to me, those music was like, typical teen music, not really suitable for what the movie wanted to deliver. Some light music would be good enough.

Delivers on the promise of being a family movie! After feeling duped by Hollywood for what seems like forever, this really did appeal to and was enjoyed by my whole family. Appreciated relationship between older and younger generations - scenes with James Cromwell and Bailee Madison are truly fantastic. Can't recall any recent films that convey this type of relationship in such an endearing way. Would like to see more films with them as co-stars, I think this film discovered a perfect match. Well rounded cast, and thought Alicia Witt's performance as the mom was sincere and liked that her character was not candy coated as so many moms are usually portrayed. Saw the film with my daughters and their cousin who is a middle-school boy. Wasn't sure what he would think, as it seemed like it may be geared toward girls, but he had tears in his eyes! No big explosions or special effects to get in the way, just a wholehearted, enjoyable, family film. Looking forward to seeing it again.

This is a cute film, reminiscent of the Disney films from when I was younger. While some of the film was a bit corny or far-fetched, it is a breath of fresh air as far as the 'bathroom humor' laden films that are too often aimed at tweens. Kids who love horses, trick riding, and rodeos will especially love this film. A budding romance between one of the older 'Sweethearts' (Madison Burge) and a cowboy (Jackson Rathbone) brings an added dimension to the film. There were lessons learned about respect and starting over after making a mistake yet without being overly "preachy". No bad language, no nudity, nothing tossed in for a parent to be hovering over their child worrying about covering their eyes or ears! I enjoyed watching it myself, and it is a very good choice if you are looking for a film to watch with your kids.