Did you people see the same film I saw?

It is both painfully honest and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

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!

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.

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.

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.