Excellent adaptation.

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Brady Jadreau's performance is unique; he plays himself with an intensity and belief that is reminiscent of the greatest of actors - the ensemble add and support to the performance and the grand, simple, elegiacal story weaved by Chloe Zhao. Brady's Dad - a superb and subtle rendition by another Jadreau - had me thinking that this was surely one of the great supporting actors that Hollywood is famous for - but no .....This film is superb in that it is a small, dramatic tale of love, lost dreams, loyalty, tradition and the bond between human and horse - see it, be moved ....

I went to see this movie on a whim because it was the only thing playing near me that seemed even somewhat interesting (aka an independent drama with a nice poster), and I noticed one afternoon that the final showing would be later that night. I had read very briefly about the premise of the movie but had forgotten all about it by the time I actually went to go see it. I nearly walked out of the theater after half an hour, the only inhibiting factor being that I'd already splurged on a full-price evening ticket, a large popcorn, and two bottles of water to match. The cinematography was very nice and some shots were genuinely stunning, but the pacing was abysmal. It wasn't until I started wondering how on earth they'd managed the horse training scene some ~40-50 minutes in that the premise slowly came back to me. Isn't this the movie where the actors are actual cowboys or something? If that's the case, we're doing pretty well. Maybe I'll stick it out, even after I finish my popcorn.And I don't know. It does get more interesting as it goes along and I was genuinely engaged during the hospital visit scenes. There's a decent enough thematic depth to it. But the script is just very weak here. I'd give it a 5/10 if not for the cinematography and the surprisingly good performances from the non-actors in the movie. Some of the dialogue really stuck out as overbearing or clumsy. In short, the gimmick is the meat here. That's not a good sign.

'THE RIDER': Three Stars (Out of Five)A western-drama about a former rodeo star who now suffers brain damage due to a bullriding accident. The film was shot all in the badlands of South Dakota, and it was written, produced and directed by Chloé Zhao. The movie stars newcomer Brady Jandreau, Lilly Jandreau, Tim Jandreau, Lane Scott, and Cat Clifford. It has received nearly unanimous positive reviews from critics, but I only found it to be mildly amusing (at best). Brady Blackburn (Brady Jandreau) was a rising rodeo star, who got into a serious bullriding accident. Now he suffers from brain damage due to it, and constant seizures. Brady lives in extreme poverty with his father (Tim Jandreau) and his sister (Lilly Jandreau), and he also spends a lot of time with his friend Lane (Lane Scott). The doctors tell Brady he can never ride again, but he just can't give up the dream that easily.The film is beautifully shot, in a stunning way even. The performances are pretty good as well, especially coming from such inexperienced rookie actors. Being a vegan though, I have an extreme problem with animal cruelty, so I didn't really like most of what the movie's 'hero' stands for. I'll admit it's a well made film to an extent though, but it's also extremely boring.

Oh boy this film did not hit well for me. I can see how others like it, but it hit so many negative biases I grew up with. Country culture, ranching, wrestling, forced masculinity, it was all there. I was quite touched by a few moments with his bull-riding friend but felt zero sympathy for the main character's situation. I could not wait for this movie to end, but I understand that many others could find this film charming and enjoyable.