Cast: Bailee Madison, James Cromwell, Alicia Witt
Running time: 92 minutes

This DVD was an unexpected pleasure to watch. From the cover you know it's going to be great family viewing, but what was unexpected was young actress Bailee Madison's range of emotions when acting.

The story is about Ida Clayton (Madison), whose grandfather rode in the rodeo and whose mum Elaine (Witt) is seriously against her going anywhere near the rodeo. This is because Ida's dad rode in the rodeo and he left them both.

Elaine is busy making ends meet and hardly has any time for Ida. As she's left a lot on her own, Ida digs into her mum's belongings and finds out her father's first name. She then starts hanging around the rodeo, hoping to meet him.

Noting the potential in Ida and her love for one horse in particular, Terence (Cromwell) who manages the Sweethearts of the Rodeo, a group of girls who ride and perform stunts on horses, enlists her.

He insists she gets her parent's approval, and Ida writes the letter of approval herself and signs it without her mum knowing.

Her mum is naturally upset when she finds out but is later convinced to let Ida join the rodeo as they need the income.

Ida travels from town to town with the Sweethearts and Terence. Everywhere she goes, she asks around for “Walker” - her dad. While Terence attempts to teach Ida new tricks, she must also learn the more important lessons of discipline and following instructions.

In the subplot, one of the girls, Kansas, falls for a cowboy even though it's against the “rules.” She's soon kicked out of the group. Can the group survive without her?

Kids and parents will enjoy this DVD – there are horses, great stunts and most of all a very compelling performance by Madison. She goes through a whole range of emotions of a tween trying to find her own identity – from anger to sadness to guilt.

She may look like she has a baby face but Madison and Ida have a maturity beyond their age. This actress is going places – mark my words.

As for Cromwell, he plays his usual – wise elderly gentleman who knows more than he lets on and is easily loved. Well, at least he knows what he does well, even if he keeps sticking to it.

This one is worth watching. The whole family will enjoy it. - Review by S.N.