This movie, which dramatizes the real life of Lane Frost, the youngest person ever admitted to the Rodeo Hall of Fame, begins with Lane telling his father that he is unafraid when watching his first rodeo. From there, we begin with the adult life of Lane Frost (played by Luke Perry.)

I had not seen this movie in the theater as Luke Perry is not one of my favorite actors. Time and money being what they are, I have to be selective when I go out. However, this movie was recently on television and I got to see it. I am glad I did. I am also glad I did not pay money for it. Well worth watching on television, I'm not sure I would have enjoyed it as much had I paid to rent the video.

The life of a rodeo cowboy is not an easy one and we get a full view of what it is like. The men live on the road as the rodeo moves from town to town. Lane was a bull rider, and most of the rodeo scenes are of bull riding. We get to see a wide variety of what happens in this sport. We see the successful rides. We see men stepped on by animals, and gored. Some of what we see seems a bit gratuitous, but overall, the shots are well balanced.

A large part of this story revolves around the friendship of Lane with Tuff Hedemen. These men both made it to the top of their profession and we see what it took to get there. (Lane is the youngest man to have ever been National Bull Riding Champion.)

The movie also shows how Lane fell in love with his wife Kellie who was a barrel rider. She gives up her career when she marries Lane to support him. The hardships that the rodeo life imposes on a marriage are well detailed in this movie. Any business which requires you to travel on the road and leave family behind can be difficult on a relationship. More so when your image is that of a macho superstar.

8 Seconds had moments that were genuinely funny. Most of it, however, was touching. Luke Perry's acting impressed me. I, who am not a rodeo fan, found myself cheering and getting into the rodeo scenes. I was especially cheering as Lane finally got to ride the bull that became his obsession - Red Rock. When the end came (and I knew how it was to end) I found myself moved by Lane's death. Happily, the filmmakers didn't end the movie with the death, but let us know about the lives of those who loved him afterwards.

After the final dramatization, there are pictures and scenes of the real life Lane Frost and Tuff Hedman.

The music in the movie is noteworthy, too. Though the music never upstages the movie, there are terrific songs by Vince Gill and Brooks and Dunn as part of the score.

There have been other stories of people who died too young with great potential. Most notable of this genre is La Bamba. In all these movies, one is left questioning what might have been different. 8 Seconds leaves those same questions, too. I did not know the story of Lane Frost before this movie came out, but I will never forget it now.

I enjoyed this movie. The friend who watched it with me was even more enthusiastic than I was about it. He was surprised by my mild reaction. For this reason, and having spoken to others who have watched this movie, I'm going to say it's a guy movie that women can enjoy. I did.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older