COWGIRLS ‘N ANGELS
A heartfelt family gem for all ages.
Should You Watch It?
You should. Cowgirls ’N Angels is a rare live-action family movie that earns its four-star rating with professional acting, catchy music, heartfelt moments and a big-hearted story. Bailee Madison carries the film as Ida, while James Cromwell and the rest of the cast give credibility to a premise that might otherwise seem too far-fetched.
The movie also gives your family positive references to faith, God and prayer. Its small content concerns include one “d” word, one light exclamatory profanity, very light violence, alcohol use, and Ida’s stealing and lying, which are rebuked.
If you want an uplifting drama that children and adults can enjoy together, this little gem is worth the trip.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESTwelve-year-old Ida Clayton has a passion for horses and rodeo, even though her mother distrusts the rodeo circuit. When Ida meets the Sweethearts of the Rodeo, a team of female trick riders, she gets the chance to train and travel with them. The opportunity may also help Ida find the father she has never known.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is one of the strongest family movies in the source review. Cowgirls ’N Angels captures attention immediately with catchy music and professional acting. Bailee Madison shows that she can carry the movie, while James Cromwell adds a great deal as the head of the Sweethearts.
The other actors lend credibility to a plot that could have seemed too far-fetched. Director Timothy Armstrong also deserves credit. Most of all, the movie has a lot of heartfelt moments, giving its story genuine emotional appeal.
The Worldview
The film presents a very strong moral worldview with strong Christian, redemptive elements. It includes positive references to faith, trust in God and prayer, giving the story an uplifting spiritual center.
The movie also presents family conflict, perseverance and the longing to know one’s father. Ida’s stealing and lying are not treated as virtues; they are rebuked. That combination of moral correction and redemption gives families something worthwhile to discuss.
The film’s central themes align with Scripture’s call to trust God and pursue what is right. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very strong moral worldview with strong Christian, redemptive elements including positive references to faith and trust in God and prayer; one “d” word and one light exclamatory profanity; very light violence when girl falls off horse; no sex; no nudity; alcohol use; no smoking or drugs; and, stealing and lying but rebuked, girl talks back to mother.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Ida wants to know her father and must face the consequences of her choices. Why is honesty important even when you are afraid of what the truth may bring?
Ephesians 4:25 · Proverbs 12:22The movie includes positive references to faith, trust in God and prayer. What does it mean to trust God when you do not know how a situation will turn out?
Proverbs 3:5–6 · Philippians 4:6–7Ida receives correction after stealing and lying. How can correction help us grow instead of merely making us feel ashamed?
Proverbs 12:1 · Hebrews 12:11What makes a family or community willing to welcome and encourage someone who is still learning?
Romans 12:10 · Galatians 6:2The Final Word
COWGIRLS ’N ANGELS is a little gem with a big heart: well-acted, heartfelt and rich with positive references to faith, God and prayer. With only very light content concerns, it is WORTH THE TRIP for families and viewers of all ages.
