On my DVD copy of "Cowgirls an' Angels" there's a sticker that reads: "family approved by Dove". That's all you really need to know.Ida is a young girl who desperately wants to find her daddy. She is taken in by the Sweethearts, a group of travelling rodeo cowgirls who perform stunts while on horseback. Ida travels and performs with them and learns valuable lessons about life along the way. Aww.The most important aspect on such a premise working or not is a likable main character. In this respect, Bailee Madison was perfectly cast, it's like the role was written for her (it probably was). She gives a layered and interesting performance, and is a joy to watch. I enjoyed the film because of Madison, but also because I liked seeing some of the inner workings of the southern rodeo circuit. People go to the movies for many reasons, and one of them is to spend time in good company. I felt in good company here, I liked the characters and their respective story lines. At times the movie feels too "wholesome", but it's heart is always in the right place. I've never been to the south, but this film makes me want to pack my bags and go. Strange how movies can make you feel nostalgia for places you've never seen, and events you were never there for.

This was a sweet movie. Fast paced and never boring. Best scene had to be when everyone was line dancing.Bailee Madison is a capable lead as Ida the cute little girl with the dream of finding her father through starring in the rodeo. I just wished we would've had more heart to heart moments with the mother.I was really interested in the side story and would've loved to see more of it though. Dora Madison Burge was just as endearing here as Kansas as she was in Friday night Lights as Becky. Jackson Rathbone lit up the screen the few times he was on as Justin.Over all its a cute little family movie for a boring afternoon.

Ida Clayton (Bailee Madison) has a huge chip on her shoulder. First, her mother Elaine (Alicia Witt) is a single parent who, naturally, has to work tons of hours. Therefore, many days Ida is stuck looking after herself. Then, if that weren't enough, the young twelve year old has never met her father. Mom tells Ida that he split long ago, leaving them both high and dry. Finally, although Ida adores horses and knows that her grandfather was a famous rodeo rider, Elaine won't let her near any stables. The absent dad, you see, was a rodeo cowboy, too. Nevertheless, Ida often hangs around the horses, for what Mother doesn't know, the small gal won't tell her. As it happens, there is a small group of young lady rodeo cowgirls near her town in Oklahoma, run by a gentleman, Terrence (James Cromwell) who knew Ida's grandpa. The two, in fact, were in the same rodeo act themselves. One fateful day, Terence saves Ida from getting hit up with a shoplifting charge and the two become friends. Knowing an interest in horses will likely keep the girl out of trouble, he asks her to be part of his act, The Rodeo Angels. She does, indeed. Ida even forges the permission letter from her mama to get in the game. Also, the young gal promises to keep an eye out for a man named Walker, on the rodeo circuit, for THAT PERSON is her dad. But, how long will Ida be able to keep her activities a secret from her mother? And, since Ida still gets into trouble by defying rules, will she be able to stay in the group? This is a wonderful family film, showing a part of the sports world which with not everyone will be familiar. The scenes in the West and in the rodeo ring are pretty impressive and fetching. Madison and Witt do a fine duet as the conflicted mother and daughter while old pro Cromwell does his usual superior work. The rest of the cast, not well known, is quite nice as well. Finally, the film has very good lessons on obedience, perseverance, and self-acceptance that will register strongly with most viewers. Looking for a treat for yourself and the kids this weekend? Why, let these cowgirls entertain you!

I cannot specify how amazing this movie was. From start to finish me and my kids were in AWE. Basically the story is about Ida looking for her father. This search leads her to join a female trick riding team. While this is a story about family, it is about so much more. I don't want to spoil anything, so I will leave at this. My kids loved it, it was good clean safe fun, it had me in tears. What more can you ask for from a family movie. I will be running out and getting this as soon as it is available (hopefully soon). I thought that with time my daughter would forget about the film, but we watched this months ago and she is still asking for it. I NEVER write reviews so this should show you how empowering this movie was.