8 Seconds

8 Seconds
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	John G. Avildsen
Written by	Monte Merrick
Produced by	Clyde LeVin Danny DeVito Tony Mark Jeffery Swab
Starring	Luke Perry Stephen Baldwin James Rebhorn Carrie Snodgress Ronnie Claire Edwards Cynthia Geary
Cinematography	Victor Hammer
Edited by	J. Douglas Seelig
Music by	Bill Conti
Production company	Jersey Films
Distributed by	New Line Cinema
Release date	February 25, 1994(1994-02-25)
Running time	105 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Box office	$19,623,396

8 Secondsis a 1994 Americancontemporary Westernbiographical dramafilm directed byJohn G. Avildsen.Its title refers to the length of time a bull rider is required to stay on for a ride to be scored. The film starsLuke Perryas AmericanrodeolegendLane Frostand focuses on his life and career as abull ridingchampion. It also featuresStephen BaldwinasTuff Hedeman,and Red Mitchell asCody Lambert.

The film was completed and premiered shortly after what would have been Frost's 30th birthday, in late 1993.

Plot

While growing up inOklahoma,Lane Frostlearns the tricks of thebull ridingtrade at the hand of his father Clyde, an accomplishedbronc riderhimself. As he grows older, Lane travels the professional rodeo circuit with his best friendsTuff HedemanandCody Lambert.He meets and falls in love with abarrel racer,Kellie Kyle, and they eventually marry in 1984.

As Lane's legend and fame increase, so does the amount of pressure he puts on himself, to be what everyone wants him to be, and he wants to show that he is as good as they say he is. His ascent to the 1987Professional Rodeo Cowboys Associationbull riding world championship is marred by a cheating incident, questions about Kellie's devotion, and a nearly-broken neck. The film also follows him through the true life series between himself andRed Rock,a bull that no cowboy had ever been able to stay on for eight seconds. It cuts the series down to three rides. In 1989, Lane is the second-to-last bull rider during the last day of that year’sCheyenne Frontier Days rodeo.He successfully rides the bull named Takin' Care of Business and dismounts, but the bull turns back and hits him in the side with a horn, breaking some ribs and severing a main artery. As a result of excessive internal bleeding, Lane dies on the arena floor before he can be transported to the hospital.

The final scene shows Hedeman later that same year at theNational Finals Rodeoriding for the world championship. After the eight-second bell sounds, he continues to ride and stays on an additional eight seconds as a tribute to his fallen best friend, who will never be forgotten.

Cast

• Luke PerryasLane Frost
  • Cameron Finleyas young Lane Frost
• Stephen BaldwinasTuff Hedeman
• Red Mitchell asCody Lambert
• Cynthia Gearyas Kellie Kyle Frost
• James Rebhornas Clyde Frost
• Carrie Snodgressas Elsie Frost
• Linden Ashbyas Martin Hudson
• Ronnie Claire Edwardsas Carolyn Kyle
• Renée Zellwegeras Buckle Bunny
• George Michaelas Himself
• Brooks & Dunnas Themselves
• McBride & The Rideas Themselves
• Vince Gillas Himself
• Karla Bonoffas Herself

Production

Filming took place mainly inBoerne, Texas,Del Rio, Texas,Tucson Rodeo Grounds,San AntonioandPendleton, Oregonand a handful of other minor locations.

Release

8 Secondswas released in the United States on February 25, 1994. In the Philippines, the film was released on September 8, 1994, with free "Luke Perry handkerchiefs" handed out to moviegoers who present the film's newspaper ad at the lobby of any theater; the film was promoted as being the first American film to be given by theMovie and Television Review and Classification Board's (MTRCB) an "Excellent" rating.

Critical response

The film gained a mixed reception. TheMilwaukee Journal Sentinelpraised Perry's acting but criticized the performance of Cynthia Geary, who played Kellie Frost.It holds a 31% rating fromRotten Tomatoesbased on 13 reviews.

Soundtrack

Main article:8 Seconds (soundtrack)

External links

• 8 SecondsatIMDb
• 8 SecondsatBox Office Mojo
• 8 SecondsatRotten Tomatoes