Watch Dakota's Summer

Dakota's Summer is a heartfelt family drama that follows Dakota Rose as she returns to her small town after becoming a famous rodeo rider. The movie delves into the themes of family, love, determination and finding one's true calling in life. The protagonist, Dakota, is played by Haley Ramm who brings vivacity and spirit to the role. Dakota is a talented rodeo rider who has achieved much success in her chosen field. However, her idyllic life comes to an abrupt halt when she gets an injury during a competition. Her injury is so severe that she is grounded from riding for several months, meaning that she cannot participate in her beloved rodeo and cannot train for upcoming competitions.

Dakota's Summer is a beautiful depiction of how people can face different situations in life while embarking on a journey of self-discovery. The movie is more than just about rodeos, it gives the viewers an opportunity to witness the passions and joys of life - not just through an individual's success but also through the support, love, and connections of those around.

As Dakota recuperates, she returns to her hometown to stay with her grandfather, August Rose, played by Glynn Turman. It is at this point that Dakota realizes how much she has missed her small-town life, which she left behind in pursuit of her dreams. August Rose is a wise man who not only helps Dakota heal physically but also intellectually and spiritually. He helps her find her true calling beyond her rodeo fame, and his love and guidance help shape her into a confident and thoughtful person.

As she settles in, Dakota realizes how much has changed in her absence, especially her relationships with her mother, father, and former boyfriend, Austin. This realization sets the story into motion as she tries to understand what has changed and how she can reconnect with everyone.

Dakota's former love interest, Austin, played by Bryan Dechart, is also a fixture in her hometown, and it becomes clear to the viewer that he still holds strong feelings for her. Their romance is a rollercoaster ride of emotions as they rekindle their love for each other while also dealing with their individual struggles. Bryan Dechart does an excellent job bringing a sense of vulnerability and honesty to the character.

Dakota also seeks to understand the estranged relationship she has with her father, who she feels abandoned her after her parents' divorce. She finds out that her father has been dealing with personal issues of his own and that he is not the man she thought he was. The two of them eventually find common ground and begin repairing their relationship.

The movie is not without its tension and heartache. Dakota's injury, her relationships, and her struggles all make for an emotionally charged and enthralling viewing experience. The relationships between the characters authentically depict the messy, complicated emotions that come with change and growth.

Director Timothy Armstrong has done a fantastic job creating a movie that, at its core, is about rediscovering one's past and finding a new way forward. The cinematography perfectly captures the natural beauty of rural America, capturing the lifestyle and spirit of rodeos with captivating action sequences.

Overall, Dakota's Summer is a movie for the whole family that offers an authentic glimpse into the hardships and triumphs that come with pursuing one's dreams. It is a beautifully crafted narrative that tugs at your heartstrings and stay with you long after the credits roll.

Dakota's Summer is a 2014 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.