A Cowboy in London (Jared L. Christopher, 2026): USA

Reviewed by Brannon Craig. Viewed at SBIFF

It was around 12 noon Saturday the 7th of February 2026  in Santa Barbara California. It was the first Saturday of the international film Festival and it was packed. I did not plan this at all and I had no idea who Charley Crockett was. I had missed the cut off to get in the other movie  that I had stood in line for quite some time! Furthermore I had to hit my goal of three movies in one day to complete my weekend quota of six movies. So that the festival does not interfere with  my normal homework. Personally at first I was frustrated but then it faded after the movie started, “ A Cowboy in London,” began which turned into a breath of fresh air, an embodiment of Americana in its purest form it was directed by Jared Christophart in a verite style which followed Mr. Crockett through London.

 In this 1960s reverse invasion style documentary it brings to light the depth of the American psyche. Showing that edge that we hold dear over the world. And with his Texan swagger he articulated gracefully his rise to fame from his humble roots from south Texas and how he hoboed around America playing his guitar on street corners of almost every major city  and sometimes being homeless and this cowboy roaming the open country looking for its spirit. And furthermore in the movie he becomes an informal ambassador to the UK showcasing us to our long closest friend .It seems that he knew that he was destined to become a star like most people that get to his level. And with that there is no doubt in my mind, and for that matter no doubt in the minds of the 150 people in that theater yesterday that one day Mr. Crockett will be a national treasure. With the likes of Arlo Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash. Jared Christophary the director does an amazing job at capturing the professional  growth of this soon to be legend that was genuine and true in his nature,far from corporate music that dominates the air waves today. Could this be the beginning of a new golden age of America?  

A quote that tied it all together is,

“ I do not think you have one shot, you just have to roll the dice.”

With that said he summed up what it takes to be successful is hard work and never giving up. Which again is a good message to our country in these trying times of economic hardship and political infighting. That seems to be consuming us all no matter if at one time you were apolitical. Now you must choose! I think the director Jared Christophar was trying to send a  subliminal message of unity and it is ok to be proud to be American and for them Texan to the core. Mr. Crockett is an amazing repertoire of a man on a mission, which gives us hope.