Concrete Cowboy

I went into this film with absolutely no expectations, knowing next to nothing about it. Man, am I glad I watched it - "Concrete Cowboy" is an inspiring film. While it is about horseback riding, this film is really about personal growth at its core. The central protagonist, Cole, goes through a journey of coming to terms with family, friendship and his own identity. The lifestyle of Philadelphia cowboys and the bonds they share with each other, as well as with their horses, ties everything together nicely. I was intrigued the whole time, especially by the strong performances the whole cast delivered.

I felt like there were so many things this movie could have provided, if it had a focus. It covered too many areas, as I have already stated. Did the movie want to share with us the story of a) stables in Philadelphia, b) an inner-city kid with urban challenges, c) a father and son rekindling of relationship, d) Black cowboys (and girls), etc. Xa) I lived in Philadelphia and feel sad I never knew about these stables. So, what happened next? Xb) I don't really know what happened to the kid. He loved getting involved with the horses but did become someone who stepped away from the crime world and ended up finishing school and whatever? Xc) mom comes back in the picture. Do mom and dad rekindle their relationship or does she forgive him for being a young "bad ass"? Xd) Don't know... Other problems: Now, as a person who grew up with horses this was really difficult to watch with out actually laughing. A person who has never ridden a horse before cannot suddenly hop on a horse and ride a horse that appears to be needing some serious training. Nope. Never gonna happen. He became an amazing rider immediately. That really bugged me! I have never known of anyone who kept a horse in their house. Never. The horse wouldn't put up with this and I don't understand what the point was for that?!! I guess this is a "feel good movie" but after it was done, I didn't feel good. I felt annoyed and frustrated.