Cowgirls 'n Angels (2012) User Reviews

Cute Family film full of Country fun

[gccates · 6/10 · 7 January 2014]

This was a sweet movie. Fast paced and never boring. Best scene had to be when everyone was line dancing.

Bailee Madison is a capable lead as Ida the cute little girl with the dream of finding her father through starring in the rodeo. I just wished we would've had more heart to heart moments with the mother.

I was really interested in the side story and would've loved to see more of it though. Dora Madison Burge was just as endearing here as Kansas as she was in Friday night Lights as Becky. Jackson Rathbone lit up the screen the few times he was on as Justin.

Over all its a cute little family movie for a boring afternoon.

enjoyable fluff

[PandoraProductions4 · 6/10 · 17 August 2015]

On my DVD copy of "Cowgirls an' Angels" there's a sticker that reads: "family approved by Dove". That's all you really need to know.

Ida is a young girl who desperately wants to find her daddy. She is taken in by the Sweethearts, a group of travelling rodeo cowgirls who perform stunts while on horseback. Ida travels and performs with them and learns valuable lessons about life along the way. Aww.

The most important aspect on such a premise working or not is a likable main character. In this respect, Bailee Madison was perfectly cast, it's like the role was written for her (it probably was). She gives a layered and interesting performance, and is a joy to watch.

I enjoyed the film because of Madison, but also because I liked seeing some of the inner workings of the southern rodeo circuit. People go to the movies for many reasons, and one of them is to spend time in good company. I felt in good company here, I liked the characters and their respective story lines.

At times the movie feels too "wholesome", but it's heart is always in the right place.

I've never been to the south, but this film makes me want to pack my bags and go. Strange how movies can make you feel nostalgia for places you've never seen, and events you were never there for.

Angels Indeed

[blackberrybabe · 7/10 · 6 April 2013]

I will admit, I wanted to see this movie only for Jackson Rathbone. But because of my interest in him, I discovered a cute movie. Cowgirls 'n Angels is about a 12-year-old girl named Ida who joins a touring rodeo company called the Sweethearts in order to find her estranged father. Along the way, she learns about responsibility and the value of friendship.

Bailee Madison stars as Ida Stanton. She gives a great performance as a girl on her own, not respecting authority who finds friendship where she least expects it. James Cromwell is the owner of the Sweethearts, a female rodeo touring company. I loved Cromwell in this role. He was authoritative when he had to be but also makes time for the girls. You can tell that he loves the Sweethearts with everything he's got.

Alicia Witt is Elaine, Ida's mother. Elaine believes that all people involved with the rodeo are "lowlifes" because her husband was one. She forbids Ida to participate at first, and then changes her mind at the thought of money. Although I liked Witt in this role, I wish that she had more to do. She doesn't really ever understand Ida's desire to know her father, yet does a great job trying to keep her from meeting him. She allows Ida to be a part of the Sweethearts, but I don't believe she ever really understands her daughter.

Dora Madison Burge is Kansas, one of the Sweetheart riders. She is instantly nice to Ida and the two form a bond. Burge shined when she had to make a decision about whether to stay with the Sweethearts or pursue love when it comes calling. Although I did not agree with her decision, I enjoyed watching her in this role and looking at her profile on IMDb, she is in hot demand.

Jackson Rathbone is Justin, Kansas's boyfriend. Rathbone is originally from Texas, so it was no problem for him to speak with his Western accent. Although Justin does not have a lot to do in this film, every time he was on the screen, I smiled. Rathbone brings sweetness to Justin that makes you understand why Kansas chooses him over the rodeo. And with his cowboy hat and beard, Rathbone was very attractive. And I literally swooned when he tipped his cowboy hat.

The rest of the cast also excelled in their roles. I did not find one person out of place and believed that the mean girls really were mean and the men that they met along the way were genuine cowboys. The acting was not over the top from anyone and I hope to see everyone in future roles.

One thing I liked about this movie (besides the horses of course) was that it did not rely on special effects to enhance the story. While some movies nowadays spend millions on effects to make a poor story spectacular, Cowgirls 'n Angels relied on the plot and the acting itself to attract the audience. And of course, horses help too. I was nervous watching the film, worried that a horse would get hurt.

Overall, Cowgirls 'n Angels was pretty good. There were times when I wanted to smack Ida for being so difficult and other times when I wanted to run off with Justin. A simple story with a message, I hope to see this movie again.

Hallmark movie of the week

[jordondave-28085 · 3/10 · 3 May 2023]

(2012) Cowgirls n' Angels FAMILY DRAMA

Co-written and directed by Timothy Armstrong directing a 'Family movie of the week' using "the Sweethearts" as a backdrop, starring Bailee Madison as Ida, doing whatever it takes to find her biological dad she had never met. Terence (James Cromwell) takes Little Ida under his wing, who managed to convince her mother (Alicia Witt), who has just lost her job as a result of looking for her daughter, that he'll physically pay her a substantial amount of money each month to use Ida for the Sweethearts. This movie explores other issues with other characters as well, since they travel together in groups, similar to like what a circus would do. The last shot of Little Ida riding a horse while standing up got to be one of the most stupidest things I had ever saw since the camera is showing her from the top like she can really do that stunt. This movie is intended for sentimentalists.

One of the worst

[ajrg-17-381639 · 1/10 · 18 October 2014]

This movie was obviously not for me. It was so full of clichés that it should have been an afternoon lifetime movie. The acting of the little girl really stunk and the characters were just cardboard. The father who abandoned them is a fine character and says he does not know why he and her mother had problems. The reform school girl runs off with the guy from the rich family with whom she finds true love and is welcomed back to the rodeo riders at the end. No one holds a grudge about her losing the contract. The sponsors return and the main old man gets over his illness. Do not be afraid, nothing bad happens, in fact nothing happens. If this is your world view than you are welcome to it. Not even my kids would like this movie.

Great Movie this the first Cowgirls n' Angels

[lovettstough · 10/10 · 9 November 2017]

I loved this movie the first Cowgirls N' Angels it was a great movie. Everything I've seen Bailee Madison in so far I have liked like this movie & the Christmas movies I've seen her in. As I myself grew up as a foster child I like how Ida found her natural talent & a whole different new group of good family & friends. I am an animal lover my self I grew up on a farm in Northern Virginia before my great uncle died when I was 11 which is when I started going through the system of foster care & group homes so we had lots of animals so I like any movies that has lots of animals. This is a great movie.

Fun family film

[cindynavarro713 · 8/10 · 2 October 2012]

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.

A true family film.

[jndlopez · 10/10 · 22 May 2012]

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.

Terrific film

[EisenstarkD-1 · 9/10 · 11 September 2012]

This is a terrific film, full of heart without being sappy, with believable characters and a wonderful story. It's a shame a film like this doesn't get widespread theatrical distribution anymore. I would have died to have a film like this to take my daughter to when she was of the right age (8-15). This one captures the imagination without an avalanche of sound and fury, topical jokes or plain silliness. But the biggest testament is that I saw this with an audience of youngsters, and they watched with great concentration, quietly, engrossed in the story. I'm not sure I've ever witnessed this before. It reminded me of my own childhood favorites, My Friend Flicka, Fury, and the live-action films Disney doesn't make anymore. James Cromwell and Frankie Faison are a couple of solid actors, and here they are together, with an ensemble of incredible young actresses playing a troupe of trick-riders on the rodeo circuit. Take your kids to see it if at all possible. If not, find the DVD--it's worth seeking out.

Amazing & Touching & Perfect in Every Way

[melnoregon23 · 10/10 · 31 October 2012]

I have waited forever to see this movie. Seen a preview and knew it was something I wanted to see. Unfortunately I don't believe it ever made it into our local theater so as soon as it was on DVD I rented it and after watching it and loving it I will be going out to buy it not only for my house but for my moms as well. It is great family entertainment. Very real emotions and I cried and laughed and loved it. The cast is the best around they did a stand up job. I wouldn't have changed a thing about it. You don't have to be a horse lover to love this, but I am and that was just a perk. I hope to see this cast together in the future, hopefully more movies like this will be made.

Something for everyone

[dave-scotts88 · 8/10 · 29 August 2012]

I was lucky enough to attend a screening with my 2 daughters and wife in Arkansas. I can tell you from a dad's perspective this movie is a winner in all aspects. It had my wife in tears, my kids mesmerized, and me impressed. I normally walk in with very little expectations from a children's film, but this movie delivered. There is an amazing heart breaking scene between Ida and her mom that I still can't forget. There are several different story lines playing out throughout the movie so there is something for everybody. It also has good lessons for kids, Ida sort of becomes a strong young women at the end, while still remaining a kid.

We Loved It!

[jarsrove · 9/10 · 4 June 2012]

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.

The BEST Oklahoma Family Movie since Where the Red Fern Grows

[skyrakmom79 · 10/10 · 20 May 2012]

I wasn't sure what this movie would be like but I knew at the very beginning I was going to be sorry i didn't take tissues! Very good storyline! As the granddaughter of a REAL COWBOY who ran a Ranch, I related well!!! Well done to all involved. The stunt girls that I ran into after the premier were soo excited that in their words "IT IS REAL IT IS RELEASED" Thanks to K95.5 for the movie pass, without I would have waited until the movie came out on DVD. My husband even thought it was a well produced movie. What made it even more interesting was that it was based right here in OKLAHOMA! Used real local cities & Ranches in the Oklahoma/Kansas Arena!

Great family movie

[luvkiss1973 · 10/10 · 5 October 2012]

I enjoyed this movie. I love all the supporting actors and actresses. My kids are not really rodeo kids, but this movie appealed to them all. I would truly recommend this movie to everyone. I had to wait to buy the movie on blue ray, but it was well worth the wait. I love James Cromwell. He is one amazing actor. I know that the reason I saw this was because I am a huge Jackson Rathbone fan, and he did indeed make this movie well worth watching. If your kids love horses, this movie is definitely worth the time to watch. Alicia Witt plays a good mom that does the best that she can with her daughter. Bailee Madison is a special young lady. I hope to see more from her.

Great Film for the Family !!!

[chulitonene · 10/10 · 18 December 2012]

Great family film !!!

I saw this film with my 7 yr old daughter over the weekend & we both enjoyed it.

At first, we were very unsure as we'd never even heard about Cowgirls 'n Angels. But, there was no other choice at the movie rental kiosk so we took a chance. From the very start of the movie, we were drawn in by the storyline. The movie was very down to earth but not mundane. And, we both fell in love with Ida's character played by Bailee Madison who is one child actor we need to keep an eye on! She did an amazing job portraying the main character!

We both highly recommend Cowgirls 'n Angels !!!!

A joy from start to finish, awesome!

[ellie_roberts70 · 10/10 · 28 August 2012]

I cannot specify how amazing this movie was. From start to finish me and my kids were in AWE. Basically the story is about Ida looking for her father. This search leads her to join a female trick riding team. While this is a story about family, it is about so much more. I don't want to spoil anything, so I will leave at this. My kids loved it, it was good clean safe fun, it had me in tears. What more can you ask for from a family movie. I will be running out and getting this as soon as it is available (hopefully soon). I thought that with time my daughter would forget about the film, but we watched this months ago and she is still asking for it. I NEVER write reviews so this should show you how empowering this movie was.

sweet family movie!

[rachmiller4011 · 8/10 · 24 May 2012]

I recently had the opportunity to screen this sweet family movie. 12 year old Bailee Madison is the adorable (and yes, "feisty and rebellious") main character who is driven to find the daddy she has never known. She talks to a poster she has of Walker (remember the Texas Ranger? smile...I had to explain who he was to my 8 year old...) on her bedroom wall. In her search to "belong" she is taken in by the Sweethearts of the Rodeo. Here she finds a safe place of unconditional acceptance and begins to discover that her color in "God's crayon box" is not determined by anyone else...nor is it just "clear" ☺. Happy watching!

Ida Clayton (Bailey Madison) searches for love, friendship and a passion in her life.

[deepisland · 10/10 · 1 June 2012]

Cowgirls 'N Angels is wonderful because each person walks out loving it but for perhaps different reasons. The script creates a story and characters and that viewers will identify with and care about. The actors are fantastic. I had tears running down my face several times both of joy and of shared frustration with Ida (Bailey Madison) and her mother (Alicia Witt). The soundtrack is beautiful. There are not many movies out that appeal to all generations and both genders. I hope the movie gets wider distribution so more audiences can enjoy a well written, heartfelt, story driven movie. Timothy Armstrong succeeded in writing and directing a movie that can inspire real life conversations when you walk out of the theater.

These cowgirls are not all hat, no, and they offer us a wonderful family film

[inkblot11 · 8/10 · 7 November 2012]

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!

Cowgirls n' Angels is amazing

[jaemiewaters · 10/10 · 29 May 2012]

Cowgirls n' Angels is one amazing family film if you are looking for a good family movie than this is the movie for you than i hope you enjoy this fantastic film if you want to watch but it is manly for girls because girls can connect to it better than boys can but it is still a wonderful film you just have to go see this wonderful movie that everyone will be talking about for a super long time i hope you enjoy this masterpiece it should be one of the top movies ever created that is how good this movie is i hope you like it as much as i did if you are looking for a outstanding family film than this this is the movie for you than because it is a great family film you will say wow this was a wow moment that is how good this movie was so i say go pack up your bags and go see this wonderful family film that is one to watch for sure that is how good Cowgirls n' Angels is you will be blown away for sure that is how good this movie if you want to enjoy a good movie than this is the movie you want to watch i hope you enjoy it enjoy everyone

Cowgirls n Angels

[acosta-abigail · 10/10 · 10 November 2012]

"Cowgirls n Angels" was an outstanding movie! The cover makes the movie seem uninteresting, and makes it seem like the whole movie is about horses when the directors added many more themes for example, they showed how the little girls mom is never around for her and that the little girls is determined to find her dad, and many more. My whole family loved the movie. I am very picky when it comes to movies but this is by far the best movie I have ever seen. How determined Ida Clinton is to find her daddy is touching. It has its sad moments for example when Ida thinks she found her daddy but its a different guy with the same name. Ida Clinton was a great actress in this movie and all her movies she's in her real name is Bailee Maddison. She stars in a lot of great movies for example : Don't be Afraid of the dark, Just go with it, Cowgirls n Angels, she is also in Disney channel shows. This is a great movie and I would suggest it to family night hanging out with your friends any night this movie would be perfect for. The actors were great, the setting, everything.

Moreover, this movie was an excellent movie. The actors were amazing Bailee Maddison (the lead role) was my favorite actresses. She played a dramatic role and a serious role and a sweet kind little girl role. She was truly amazing I have never seen such a young actor or actress with such amazing talent and passion. Bailee Maddison put a lot of effort into her role anyone could tell. My second favorite character is Terrance Parker his real name is James Cromwell. He finds Ida trying to ride a horse at night. He offers her to rise with the Sweethearts a group of ladies who ride horses and do stunts on the horse. He takes care of Ida when they go to travel to different places to do shows with the horses. Ida's mom is against Ida ridding horses because Ida's dad rode and Ida's daddy abandoned her and her mom still has a lot of anger against him. Eventually Ida's mom let her ride with the sweethearts because Mr.Parker mentioned how you get paid to be a sweetheart and Ida's mom couldn't refuse because they need money. Those are most definitely my favorite actors/actresses.

Additionally, this movie was also great because of the the setting/theme. The movie Cowgirls n Angels had a great setting. The directors choose great places to play the movie for example they did part of it in Kansas and Oklahoma. I think those are great places for this movie because they are country type states. I think it's great how the movie involved romance because it changing the movie up. It shows that there's a lot to life. This movie could be very inspirational to people. How can it be interesting? Great question, this movie could be an inspirational movie to people because in the beginning it focuses on Ida's family life and her family life isn't great. Her mom is never home and her dad just abandoned her and her mom, and in the end Ida finds her dad and everything turns out fine. The movie leaves you guessing because the directors don't say what happens between Ida's mom and dad if they get married or what? It leaves you to make your own ending to the movie. This is another reason this movie is amazing.

However, one might not want to watch this movie because its about horses and country people. A lot of people don't like country style stuff. This movie does involve a lot of country style stuff but you get so into the movie you won't even care about the fact that its country. One might also worry that the movie will get boring because its just about this little girl. I had the same thought but the directors just throw something new into it and it changes the story in a good way. A lot of people might think that this movie doesn't involve anything important when the movie involves a lot of real life situations. A lot of movies don't but the directors in this movie did. One of the sweethearts had an alcohol addiction and she ends up drinking and one of the main sweethearts gets after her for it and it shows that everyone is imperfect in ways. Those might be some worries people have.

Furthermore, this movie is amazing! I can not elaborate anymore. This movie involves so much it's hard to say. The directors involved, love, addictions, loosing family, happy, and so much more. A significant part in this movie is when Ida finds her dad with her mom but she thinks it is just another man her mom is trying to "replace her dad" so Ida ran away thinking it was just another man, when Ida's mom finds Ida she explains to her it is Ida's dad. I feel that was very significant. This movie is great and I suggest it to everyone!

I'm conclusion, the actors/actresses, the setting, the genre was amazing! I have never seen such a great movie. "Cowgirls n Angels" involves a lot of real life. Ida used to say "My daddy always says there's a difference between Cowgirls m Angels angels can't ride as well." I hope you watch this movie or at least see the trailer to get an idea on what it's like.