Unless you live in a cave, you have probably seen a commercial or trailer for the new movie “The Last Rodeo,” which opened in theaters this past weekend. The film has been released by Angel Studios, and they have promoted it heavily on social media and television.

The movie was filmed primarily around Tulsa and northeast Oklahoma, with a few scenes shot in Texas. Production began in April 2024, and yes, it really does take a year or more for a movie to go from filming to theater. It was directed by Jon Avnet, who also directed “Fried Green Tomatoes” as well as dozens of other movies and television shows.

It stars Neal McDonough, Mykelti Williamson, Sarah Jones, Christopher McDonald, and Graham Harvey. Plus, the movie features several local actors in supporting roles and as extras, while many locals worked behind the scenes on the crew.

I was one of the local actors who was fortunate to be cast in the film. I play the umpire behind the plate for a couple of youth baseball games. One of the main characters, Cody, played by Harvey, comes up to bat and we interact during the baseball scenes.

I have been an actor for many years, in fact, since I was a kid and performed in school productions. I’ve appeared in dozens of commercials, training videos and a few television shows. I’ve also been in a handful of movies and this, by far, was my biggest role. Which, since I had a very small role in this film, doesn’t tell you a whole lot about my acting career.

This is a faith-based film, and I can honestly tell you that McDonough and Williamson are believers. I spoke with both about our faith in God. These two are not only solid actors, but great guys and devoted family men. There may have been others in the cast, as well, however I didn’t get that close to anyone else to have such a conversation.

In fact, when I went to the Tulsa premiere of the film at Circle Cinema last week, Williamson recognized me and said “hello” before I even recognized him. I honestly thought he was his “stand-in” who I spent time hanging out with on the set last year, but no, it was really one of the stars of the movie, back in town to attend the event. The director and one of the producers were also there.

Not only does the movie feature a couple youth baseball games, but it really centers on the events around a Professional Bull Riders association competition. The main character, Joe Wainwright, played by McDonough, is a former PBR champion and wants to ride again to raise money for his grandson’s surgery. I don’t want to spoil it for you, so I’ll leave it at that.

If you’ve read my column for very long you know that I’m a huge baseball fan and I love to attend the PBR event in Tulsa every year, so being a part of this movie was a huge honor and a whole lot of fun.

The movie is rated PG, basically because there is some mild profanity, some characters are drinking alcohol in a bar, and the bull riding scenes are fairly intense, however, it is a family friendly film for the most part. Truthfully, we need more films like this from Hollywood; good, wholesome films that have a message of faith and family but are well done to the utmost professional level as any other major motion picture. This film checks all those boxes.

Go see “The Last Rodeo” and let me know what you think.

TULSA BEACON RADIO

Tune in to “Tulsa Beacon Weekend” radio show every week, featuring interviews with local and national level guests, talking about everything from politics to family issues. My guests this week will include Breeann Poland with MECUM Auto Auctions and Chris Olsen, author of Lucy Comes Home. The show airs on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. CST on 970am KCFO.