Fantastic!

A Major Disappointment

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

It's an amazing and heartbreaking story.

I had never heard of this film, but bought it sight-unseen because of the fine cast, while cruising Amazon. It was summarized as similar in theme to Secondhand Lions, which I found disappointing. I found the first half of this film to be rather boring, as the director couldn't decide whether he was making a madcap corny family comedy, or a film about a youth who gets an education from his grandfather about how to live close to the land. When the film emphasized the relationships between Peter Fonda and his grandson, the excellent Joseph Mazzello, and also Kris Kristofferson, it was interesting, humorous, natural, and involving. When it focused on the law, it was silly, broad, and distracting, except for Keith Carradine, who maintained a modicum of believability. The final 30 minutes rescued the film for me, as it mostly veered away from the unnecessary Keystone Kops stuff, and became truly affecting emotionally. Had the movie emphasized the central story throughout, without the silliness, I would have given it a 9 or 10, and it probably would be better known. Still, it is worth a look, and overall, I preferred it to Secondhand Lions.

I recently caught Wooly Boys on IFC, and I was glad to finally see the movie.I really love anything with Kris Kristofferson! He seemed like a natural cowboy. I laughed many times throughout the movie--especially at the Spratt brothers. Adam Stradlin (one of the Spratt brothers) looks like he could be a young John Travolta. He is so funny! It was great to see all the scenes that are set in Medora. Its worth seeing the movie just for all the gorgeous scenery. I used to go to the Medora Musical every year. I remember Bonnie being in the musical, and I see that she is now doing an online news show called News for Blondes. I missed her part in the movie, so I will have to wait till it comes on again.

The movie was not as good as I hoped. It wasn't bad but it was lacking. The story felt rushed, some of the humor was too obvious (there were scenes that were funny though), and there should have been clearer character development. I think it's a good film for children and older folks. I had hoped there would have been more film of the badlands and it failed to truly show the beauty of the prairie. For an independent low-budget release it was pretty good. At least it didn't make North Dakotans look like backwater hicks ( ala the horrible "Fargo" movie which was not filmed in nor did it take place in the city it was named after!)

This is one of those heart warming movies about a technologically advanced grandson (Joe Mazzello, "Jurassic Park") and a backwoods sheep farmer grandfather (Peter Fonda). After being disconnected for many years from one another, they get the chance to discover what the other one is all about. A supporting role by Kris Kristofferson makes this movie a must see.