Watch The Last Ride

The Last Ride is a biographical drama film released in 2011 that depicts the last days of the famous musician Hank Williams, as he goes on a journey to play his final show in Ohio. The movie is directed by Harry Thomason and stars Henry Thomas as Hank Williams, Jesse James as a young man who accompanies him and Fred Thompson as the sheriff who is chasing after them.

The film features a non-linear structure, where Hank Williams goes on a trip with a young man, Silas, who is assigned to drive him to his final show in Ohio. As they embark on the journey, Hank's health starts to fail, and memories of his past begin to haunt him. Throughout the film, audiences are taken back and forth between the present and flashbacks of his life, where they encounter his struggle with alcoholism, his tumultuous relationship with his wife, and his rise to fame.

Henry Thomas portrays Hank Williams, capturing the essence of the character with his convincing acting skills. He certainly looks the part with his gaunt face and mournful eyes, and the filmmakers were careful to recreate some of the legendary singer's quirkier mannerisms, such as his limping gait and his tendency to clear his throat before singing. Jesse James, who plays Silas, acts as the wayward young man who is initially unaware of Hank's legacy, but gradually becomes attached to him as they spend more time together.

The Last Ride is a poignant film that highlights some of the struggles faced by Hank Williams towards the end of his career. As he spirals into alcoholism, his health begins to decline, and his stardom begins to slip away. In an attempt to recapture his former glory, he takes on a long drive to his next show, but along the way, the film offers a stark, unflinching look at the emotional and physical hardships he faced.

Throughout the movie, Williams seems to reflect on his life and career, sometimes reminiscing of his past successes and sometimes regretting his failings, all the while dealing with the baggage that comes with such a storied life. The movie also gives us an inside look at the music industry and the sacrifices that artists must make to pursue their passions. It showcases how the rigors of endless touring can drain a person both mentally and physically.

The Last Ride also features some beautiful music, with many of Hank's classic tunes used throughout the film. As one might expect, the music is a fitting tribute to the legendary singer. It serves as a reminder of how Hank Williams was not only a performer but also a poet, with lyrics that cut straight to the heart of the human experience.

One of the highlights of The Last Ride is the performances of Henry Thomas and Jesse James, who share an authentic chemistry. The two are engaging as a duo, with a spark of humor and poignant moments that won't leave the viewers dry-eyed. As the journey progresses, Silas becomes a standby confidant to Hank, and it becomes clear that both of them have valuable lessons to teach each other.

Despite its melancholic undertones, The Last Ride is not a desperate movie. There is something soothing about the atmosphere that emerges from Silas and Williams' journey, a reflection of the relationships that shape us while we walk our paths. It is a film about solitude, hardship, and redemption, played out against a beautiful, visually stunning landscape.

Overall, The Last Ride is a sincere and touching film that aims to do justice to Hank Williams' legacy. It is not simply a biopic but rather an exploration of the last days of a musical legend, capturing both the beauty and the tragedy of his life. The movie is a must-watch for anyone with an appreciation for his music or an interest in his story.

The Last Ride is a 2012 drama. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 45.