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IMDbPro

The Ride

  • 19971997
  • PGPG
  • 1h 41m
IMDb RATING
6.5/10
477
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
52,022
2,450
The Ride (1997)
A has-been cowboy is given a second chance at the hands of an unexpected teacher.
Play trailer1:37
1 Video
3 Photos
DramaFamilySport
A has-been cowboy is given a second chance at the hands of an unexpected teacher.A has-been cowboy is given a second chance at the hands of an unexpected teacher.A has-been cowboy is given a second chance at the hands of an unexpected teacher.
IMDb RATING
6.5/10
477
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
52,022
2,450
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Director
      • Michael O. Sajbel
    • Writers
      • David Bowen
      • Michael O. Sajbel
    • Stars
      • Michael Biehn
      • Brock Pierce
      • Charles Young
    Top credits
    • Director
      • Michael O. Sajbel
    • Writers
      • David Bowen
      • Michael O. Sajbel
    • Stars
      • Michael Biehn
      • Brock Pierce
      • Charles Young
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 18User reviews
    • 1Critic review

    Videos1

    Trailer
    Trailer 1:37
    Trailer

    Photos

    The Ride (1997)
    stunt coordinating, "The Ride"
    Add photo

    Top cast

    Edit
    Michael Biehn
    Michael Biehn
    • Smokey Banks
    Brock Pierce
    Brock Pierce
    • Danny O'Neil
    Charles Young
    Charles Young
    • Honeycut
    Clarence Felder
    • Mike Stillwell
    Coy Huffman
    • Announcer #1
    Jennifer O'Neill
    Jennifer O'Neill
    • Ellen Stillwell
    Chris Owen
    Chris Owen
    • Steve
    Martin Spanjers
    Martin Spanjers
    • George
    Marco Savittieri
    • Dennis
    Christian Gallego
    • Rocky
    Lucas Ford-Rawson
    • Guy
    Matt Jensen
    • Guy
    Cameron Mullins
    • Guy
    Conrad Rustenburg
    • Guy
    Branson Sanabria
    • Guy
    Casey Wells
    • Guy
    Ray Cardi
    • Bookie
    Gus Rethwisch
    Gus Rethwisch
    • Enforcer
    • Director
      • Michael O. Sajbel
    • Writers
      • David Bowen
      • Michael O. Sajbel
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Soundtracks
      Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys
      Written by Ed Bruce and Patsy Bruce

      Performed by Willie Nelson

    User reviews18

    Review
    Top review
    7/10
    Good calibre cheese. Biehn is superb.
    The Ride is a very different kind of film that was never designed to break box office figures but rather convey a message. With strong religious themes throughout, the film is very much down to interpretation. As an atheist, I was angered at how Danny (Brock Pierce) appeared to be forcing Smokey (Michael Biehn) in to religion. This is how I saw it but it is entirely possible that Danny was simply trying to open Smokey's mind. Smokey's inevitable conversion to Christianity, whilst infuriating to me, was handled very well by Biehn.

    Where the film flourishes is in the opposing sides to Smokey's character. On one hand he is a selfish drunk but also he is compassionate and cares deeply for Danny and Linette. Whilst not always reacting the best way to situations, Smokey knows what's right and eventually comes through. The relationship between Smokey and Danny is also very touching. Whilst not agreeing with Danny's behaviour, he displays great courage and a purely platonic love for the entire world. The bonds between the characters are visibly, very strong and you can't help but feel great empathy all the way through the film.

    The main reason to watch this film is Michael Biehn. Whilst he should be in much better films than this, Biehn takes his role very seriously and gives one of his strongest performances in a very long time. Biehn walks a fine line between arrogance and charisma as he did in K2 and it is very convincing that he makes friends and enemies in equal measure. It is a very demanding role as Smokey Banks is a very complex character and Biehn as always exceeds all requirements.

    Religion is still very much a taboo subject and whilst I myself am not Christian, I admire the film maker's courage in showing his beliefs. The major axe I have to grind with this film is the culture it portrays. I hate bull rodeos as they are immensely cruel and the whole cowboy way of life theme becomes a tad tiresome. The 'hicksville' ranch that Banks is staying at is so stereotyped that you can picture George W. Bush being extremely happy there.

    The Ride is fantastic once you look through the cheesy themes as it touches the emotions with great power. It is the inner core of the film that remains in the mind after watching, making The Ride well worth watching.
    helpful•10
    2
    • Lt_Coffey_182
    • Nov 23, 2005

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 15, 1997 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • El rodeo
    • Filming locations
      • Saguaro Lake Ranch - 13020 Bush Highway, Mesa, Arizona, USA
    • Production company
      • World Wide Pictures (WWP)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $86,307
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $55,332
      • Dec 7, 1997
    • Gross worldwide
      • $86,307
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 41 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby

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