Review: ‘Perfect Cowboy’ In Tune With an Imperfect World

By Brian Darling for Goweho.com

“Perfect Cowboy” takes a look at an out-of-the-ordinary family in an ordinary God-fearing Christian kind of small town. The story follows Jimmy (Ken Roht), a talented Country singer just out of prison, his lover and band-mate Ty (Jeffrey Watkins), and Mark (William Nichol), the son they raised.  All three deliver strong, believable performances, and they share an onscreen chemistry that is sometimes funny, sometimes difficult to watch, such as in scenes where Mark, Ty’s biological son, beats the crap out of Jimmy.

I was moved by the heartfelt performance by Ken Roht, who also wrote and directed the film, and was impressed that he wrote and performed his own songs, many with Watkins, in the band scenes.

The story appeared somewhat predictable, but as the plot thickens, the characters face perhaps too many deep issues for one low-budget film, from HIV to religion to family issues, as more twists and surprises are revealed.  The film lagged in a couple of spots, and the church scene was way too long for my taste, although one of the delightful surprises was the magical music from the hand-bell choir.

While I don’t consider myself a country music fan, the music is among the strongest aspects of the film. This is a soundtrack that I would put on my MP3.

The upbeat musical performances were nicely woven into a deeper story of pain, resentment and conflict as Jimmy and Ty try to piece their lives back together, and Mark, who took Jimmy’s place in the band while he was in prison, finds his own place in the family and the world.

“Perfect Cowboy” screens Sunday, July 13, at 9 p.m. at the DGA 1. A pre-screening reception begins at 7 p.m. in the DGA Atrium.