Cowboy Up

I was the Sound Effects editor on this film. In fact it was the first film that in my career that I was given the full responsibility to find or in this case create the sound effects for this film. I really enjoyed the process that I had to go through on this film and the unique way I had to use what I had to really make the bull riding come alive.

So in short I think this film is pretty good. I mean with all the junk out there I don't understand why this film has not made it to the theaters. Kiefer Sutherland and Marcus Thomas work very well together and Xavier Koller clearly knew how to direct them to get the best part of the story onto the screen without cluttering it up. Ring of Fire has all the elements to make for an enjoyable movie gong experience. It has been a long time since I have seen the film and I look forward to seeing it again.

Hank Braxton (Kiefer Sutherland) is an experienced rodeo clown and former bullrider. His younger brother Ely Braxton (Marcus Thomas) gets injured on a ride. He recovers and together with his brother slowly becomes a rising star. Their champion bull riding father Reid Braxton (Pete Postlethwaite) is a hard man and often fought with their mother Rose Braxton (Melinda Dillon). Ely fights with girlfriend Connie (Molly Ringwald) about his bull riding. Celia Jones (Daryl Hannah) is a barrel racer on the circuit that Hank falls in love for. However along with Ely's success comes the affections of Celia. Hank is jealous. The relationship eventually ends. Ely is set to ride Hank's bull, the unrideable Zapata. Hank gives Ely the address to their father to ease his mind. Ely meets his father but it isn't what he expected.

This is filled with a lot of rodeo family melodrama. There is just too much. The story overflows. After awhile, this feels like a bad cowboy soap. It needs to simplify a little on something. I think the girl trouble could be cut out and simply make this movie about daddy issues. Also I don't think Marcus Thomas has enough charisma. He is certainly outmatched by Kiefer.

This film is very well written by one of the finest writers in the business. The direction is clean, precise and still on the edge of what the story calls for, drama and action. The character development leaves nothing to complain about. Sullivan in the lead is fantastic. Under-rated. Under-rated. James Redford. Under-rated. Under-rated. Whether you are a rodeo buff or just a fan of great American cinema don't miss this tremendous original story. However this is my opinion, feel free to post your own. Make sure you actually watch the film. I've actually watched it twice and its one of those films that don't become boring. Check Keifers other work, its well worth the time.

I'm Rather new at this, but i'm gonna try anyway.

The performances by Kiefer and Pete-who plays the father, is great, in the movie. Pete shows that he can do it with, a thick American Accent. Besides that, you really gets convinced by Kiefer 's performance. (in fact, everytime you see him on screen) The only thing that disturbes me, during the movie, is the fact that Sutherland's carachter fades a bit, or maybe the reason why i notice that, is because of his picture was the lead, at the cover of the movie. Anyway...i only payed 10 Danish Croners, which is very cheap, is about 1.5 bucks, so it was cheap for an average movie. I also enjoyed the sound, and direction during the movie, i bought surround-sound a few years back, so it gets the movie a whole new level, when you watch it like that.

Kief Up The Good Work!!

Hi, i´m rather new, at this.

Anyway..... I think the movie is better than i first, expected it to be. It has a great sound, the acting is average, except for Sutherland, who remains, to give a good performance everytime. The direction is also okay...i guess. The only thing i'm a bit disappointed in, is the fact that Sutherland's part seems to fade a bit, (or maybe it's just me). I was surprised by the performance on Pete, who plays the father, he has in this movie, a great American accent. Anyway, just my opinion.....you're more than welcome to Critisize my comment, on this movie. So i bought the movie for 10 Danish kroners, which is about 1,5 bucks, so.... a cheap, movie that holds the average!!