Calf Rope

Brad's story reminds me of growing up in central PA in the 70's and my relationship with my grandfather. He wasn't a cowboy but he carried himself like the cowboys that I watched on Saturday afternoon TV.

I love a good mix of heart, humor and drama and "Calf Rope" certainly delivers on all three! Gorman Ruggerio brings a real wit and worldly pain and exhaustion to his role leading an excellent ensemble cast. I don't want to give too much away, but the tie in from beginning to end is outstanding some will definitely shed a tear or two. We'll worth the watch!

Central to the plot is the relationship between a young boy (Brandon) and his Grandad Mac. The two bond over the course of a summer as the youngster grows more and more curious about Mac's rodeo past. How could this guy who is known for relentless tickling and occasional troublemaking (especially with Mom and Grandma) be a real-life cowboy? Yes, Calf Rope is essentially a coming of age story; unabashedly heavy on nostalgia. The beauty of the short is how well it is executed by Bradley and Sarah Hawkins, the father/daughter co-founders of their own film production company, Dadley Productions. They have gathered some impressive talent. Lyndsey Hinkle's 1960s production design is impeccable. Director of Photography, Sofia Monzerratt, is equally adept at capturing action-packed rodeo sequences, as she is tender moments between generations. Ms. Monzerratt's camerawork, Bradley Hawkins' direction and Ryan Geesaman's editing of the calf roping and cattle auction scenes, in particular, are exceptional. The casting is spot on. The connection between Lukas Barnett as Brandon and Gorman Ruggiero as Mac is clear the very first time he sets those adoring eyes upon his Grandad. The screenplay (by Jake Stetler and Bradley Hawkins) is equally funny and poignant.

Ultimately it doesn't matter if you are a cowboy at heart, Calf Rope is a powerful tale about legacy, love, and what ties people together.

Calf Rope was an outstanding short film directed by Bradley Hawkins. I was moved by the performances by Gorman Ruggiero as "Grandad" and Lukas Barnett as "Brandon". It was nice to see a family friendly film with such a nice theme. I thought that the storyline would make for a wonderful full-length feature film. Bravo to the entire cast and crew!

Calf Rope does an impressive jobs of telling a complete, compelling story in less than a half hour. From the first scene, I was drawn into the lives of the characters, transported to a different - and yet familiar - time. The acting is masterful, the costuming superb. I particularly enjoyed the performances of Lukas Barnett as Brandon and Avery Kellington as Corah. The only thing that I wish was different about this movie was that it was longer; I want to spend more time in this world.