Mikes Film Talk

The Last Ryde (2026) has a great premise, but it is hard to connect with all the characters. Jeff Macolino is a personal favourite. While he does deliver here, it is a mixed bag. The story is a good one however, and worth the ride. It is part “road trip” and part “eye opener” for the main protagonist.

The Last Ryde Story

A down on his luck Ryde driver; Anthony Brazo picks up what may be his last fare. Anthony feels his life is spiraling out of control. His last client? An older man who has 48 hours to live.

Anthony learns that despite his intention to leave the rat race behind, things can really be a lot worse. Although it does take a bit of time for this to sink in. The Last Ryde, shows us that journey; warts and all. One could equate this film as a reasonable riff off It’s a Wonderful Life, sans Clarence. It also misses the old “What would the would be like without you in it” twist.

The Last Ryde Cast

Jeff Macolino is Anthony Brazo.

John Maciag is George Cooper.

Avaryana Rose is Summer.

Adam Jordan is Pete.

Pang Thao is Naomi.

Behind the Camera

Christopher P. Smith directs, and co-writes with Macolino (Who provided the story.) although Smith does much more. Cinematographer, editor, and producer, something he shares with Macolino and Rick McGonegle.

For a film that takes place in the claustrophobic interior of a car, it carries well. Kudos to the director/screenwriter for managing this with a certain amount of flair.

The Last Ryde Works Except…

The main problem we had with the film was the character of George Cooper. I personally could not connect with him at all. For a short time, I lived across the street from a “George.” This grizzled old timer had a varied history and spent his recent days looking for gold in the Arizona desert. Almost the exact same situation. My neighbour had roughly the same amount of time to put everything together. He was resigned, yet hopeful that he could mend some bridges with his truncated family.

John Maciag plays a man dying of stage 4 cancer as though he is sleep walking. No matter how I tried, connection with his character never happened. It felt like he was reading his lines off a script, no inflection and no life. Yes, his character is dying of a horrid disease, but the gentleman I knew in real life, acted and sounded different.

I fully own my inability to empathize with George, in The Last Ryde. Other viewers of this one may connect with him completely. His story: A man trying to spin all the familial and friend plates keeps him busy. It is an admirable choice for him to make. This story arc helps not only Anthony, but us; the audience.

The Film Does One Thing Well

Anthony’s journey is good. Those of us who have been shortchanged, or downright wronged by the world, know this all too well. His pain, lethargy and descent into alcoholism is self serving and it is destroying all he holds dear.

Macolino is able to show us this internal battle by underplaying his emotions. It works on several different levels. The peripheral players also hold up their end very well.

The Verdict

The Last Ryde keeps you glued to the screen. Nothing is to be taken for granted here. As the outsider looking in on the two men, both with different choices to make, keeps interest high. I can easily give the film a solid 3.5 stars out of 5. *That lack of connection with the dying man knocked it down by 1.5. Sorry chaps.* I still recommend keeping an eye out for this movie and having a look.

The Trailer