Peter Hawkins was originally sentenced to less than two years in prison, but somehow it was extended to a full four. His father John instructed the family to sever all contact, which they mostly did, because they were so preoccupied with his younger preteen sister Virginia’s cancer diagnosis. Just when they thought she was coming home, new cancer cells emerge.
Grandpa is still there for him, ready to coach Peter when he returns to competitive bull-riding. His old cell-mate is also ready and willing, whenever he needs to buy self-medication. However, Hawkins also happens to notice where his dealer stashes all his illicit cash, which could be handy information to know.
Allyn, who directs himself, really understands the small-town western setting and he depicts their family and cowboy values in a respectful manner. Unfortunately, some viewers will be frustrated Allyn refuses to choose either hardscrabble family drama or gritty crime lane, basically straddling the center line instead. However, that makes Ride quite a distinctive film. Indeed, the former creates such high stakes in the latter.
C. Thomas Howell might just deliver the screen performance of his career as vinegary John Hawkins (or it is a close second to his work in The Outsiders). It is an incredibly complex and intense performance. Frankly, he looks even craggier than Forrie J. Smith portraying his father Al, but that just adds further poignancy to his performance.
Although Annabeth Gish has less screentime, she serves up some powerful moments in the third act. Again, Ride deserves some consideration if anyone programs a Gish retrospective. Allyn also does right by himself playing Peter Hawkins. He brings out the full tragedy of his circumstances, without wallowing in fake pity. In fact, in some ways the film is very much about his character learning to take responsibility.
Even though it was apparently filmed in Tennessee, Ride stays true to Texas values—and those of rural Red State America in general. The Hawkins go to church every Sunday, but they refuse to accept any financial help from the congregation. They can feud with each for years, but in times of extreme crisis, they come together. The entire ensemble looks their part, sounds their part, and acts their part. Highly recommended for fans of the Yellowstone franchise looking for something more realistically down-to-earth, Ride releases this Tuesday (8/27) on DVD and BluRay.
