Convict Cowboy

Convict Cowboy is a 1995 film directed by Rod Holcomb that explores the story of Rodeo cowboy Jake Ely, played by Jon Voight, who ends up behind bars for manslaughter. The movie is set in 1976, where Rodeos were hugely popular, and a way of life for young cowboys, who spent most of their time travelling across the country participating in cowboy tournaments.

The movie opens with Jake Ely winning a championship tournament in Wyoming, which leads to him getting a shot at participating in the national rodeo championships in Oklahoma. As he prepares himself for the tournament, Jake bumps into a drunk man, who tries to attack him, and in the scuffle, gets hit fatally. Despite Jake's innocence, he gets put behind bars, and the guilt of his actions haunts him for the rest of his life.

Once in prison, Jake has to battle the harsh realities of prison life, and he realizes that his cowboy skills come in handy in a place like prison. With the help of his cellmate, Merv, played by Kyle Chandler, Jake gets the opportunity to showcase his rodeo tricks in a prison rodeo tournament. As they prepare for the tournament, Jake and Merv become good friends, and Merv helps Jake to come to terms with the guilt of his accident.

The movie shines a light on the struggles of inmates in prison, and how even the smallest act of kindness can go a long way in changing a hardened criminal's life. The theme of redemption is evident throughout the movie, with Jake's character finding a way to come to terms with his actions and make something of his stay in prison.

Furthermore, Convict Cowboy is also a movie about the importance of second chances. Jake's rodeo skills open up an avenue for him to turn his life around, and he realizes that he is much more than a convict. The movie portrays the prison system as a means of restoring an individual's life, and not just locking them up for their actions.

The movie's cast is truly stellar, with Jon Voight giving a heartfelt performance as Jake. His portrayal of a tough cowboy coming to terms with his actions is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Kyle Chandler, who plays Merv, Jake's cellmate, delivers a fantastic performance as the good-hearted inmate who is trying to turn his life around. Marcia Gay Harden, who plays the prison social worker, also gives a great performance, and helps to flesh out Jake's character.

The film is also beautifully shot, with the dusty plains and prison life being portrayed with great attention to detail. The rodeo sequences are particularly well shot, and the movie captures the adrenaline rush and excitement of the sport.

Convict Cowboy is an exciting and engaging movie that both entertains and has a powerful message. It shows how even the toughest of inmates can find redemption and turn their life around. The movie is a must-watch for fans of westerns and prison dramas alike, and the performances of the cast make it a truly memorable experience.