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The tale of the Prodigal Son is one we all know, and like other stories, this one also serves as a moral lesson. The Prodigal Cowboy seeks to represent this era-old legend in an Arkansas cowboy setting. The film first gives snippets of the backgrounds and character descriptions of two siblings. Mark McClard (Scott McClard) is well-liked and highly skilled, so he dedicates his life to Christ and proceeds to sit on the winning side of life’s table. On the other hand, Nick McClard (Scott Mendes) is bitter and cut off from the family for his continual anger at not being able to defeat his brother Mark and make for himself a place in the bull riding world.
Mark undoubtedly feels strong familial ties but suppresses his sadness due to the eventual split. He regards Nick as his father’s (Jimmy Forsythe) favorite and ignores Nick’s jealousy. In reality, he is focused on the multitude of talents and accomplishments Mark has. Every brother keeps an injury-inducing grudge that is transformed to dust and thrown away to a place where ever returning is impossible. And with divine intervention, that rug can’t come clean.
Blessed is the life graduation with prayer, and that there is nothing outside the realm of Jesus Christ’s reach. Throughout the years, the boys’ grandparents (Kevin Andrews and Linda Robinson) have remained faithful and continue to pray for God’s steps in their grandchildren’s lives. More overly focused than Nick’s bull riding, more focused than Mark’s long shifts at their family’s BBQ joint. All remain in stasis, awaiting their father’s passing.
One that stands out in The Prodigal Cowboy is the comic relief by Tank, Otto Thorwarth, who is Nick’s traveling partner in the rodeo circuit. For instance, the film has Tank and Nick come into a bar, and he yells out to the “beautiful gals” that a man who is their dream has walked in! Having grown up together in the same town, Tank is likely Nick’s only mate. Among others, Tank’s character and his conversion to Christ make the film more legitimate as a strong gospel vehicle against the backdrop of Southern and rodeo culture.
In The Prodigal Cowboy, we see realistic depictions of soul searching, the anguish of bitterness, efforts to forgive, and the relief that comes when true forgiveness is achieved. It’s a documentary about a family, with some drinking and bar scenes that provide ‘before/after’ glimpses into Nick and Tank’s souls. We can see a difference in him when he gives his life to Christ the next Sunday. Rebecca, Mark’s wife (Kelli Hernandez) manages to pull Mark from this anger-infested ocean and makes him reflect upon God’s word concerning forgiveness. She speaks the Word with such eloquence and it touches Mark’s heart.
From a production perspective, there are some issues with overall volume levels, background noise, slow animation edits, and actor placements. There is some dialogue that has off-target acting, but the focus in the film overshadows the flaws. The also adds authenticity, especially the C&W parts. Both Mark and Nick handle emotionally challenging scenes with ease. One scene where the character throws a beer bottle and staggers about drunk is not for children. All in all, the committed actors and director powerfully brought forth the redeeming aspect of the Gospel. The Prodigal Cowboy earns the Seal of Approval for 12+ years from Dove.
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