Dirtylogy
It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.
Catangro
After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.
Brad Barnett
This is the most inspirational story I have seen/heard in a long time and it is brilliantly portrayed. Back in February I broke both my tibia and fibula playing soccer for an adult league which effectively ended my playing career. Coaching recreation soccer was a way to get back into the game that I loved and I had come to the conclusion that the days of competitive soccer are over. I received the movie as a Christmas present and have watched it a total of 5 times in six days. It is that good.Because of this story I have decided to follow my dream of coaching and are taking the steps necessary to achieve this goal. It is because of "Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story" that I have decided to make that leap.It gets better after every viewing and I find myself wanting to watch it. The music is brilliantly done. The narration is perfect. The interviews are great. The story is phenomenal. This is not a soccer movie, but an inspirational documentary with a soccer backdrop. It does not take a soccer player or fan to enjoy this story, or understand the message of never giving up on your dreams. It is as inspiring the first time as it is the fifth time and it will inspire anyone from age 10 to 110. Very well done and told perfectly.
Dick Mac
This documentary follows the life and adventures of Jay Demerit, an America soccer player. Demerit flew to England to get a job, with a team, as a professional soccer player. English teams don't entertain walk-on tryouts (and certainly not by an American). Determined, Demerit found himself in the top flight of English football with Watford, then playing for the USA in the World Cup. You may not know Demerit now; but, you will like him after seeing this movie. Made by amateur filmmakers, the movie flows, is well edited, and is a high-quality product.I will see it again!
Matthew Moran
Rise and Shine: The Jay Demerit Story is a chronicle of the impossible journey of Jay Demerit. The movie takes you from Jay's humble beginnings in Green Bay Wisconsin to the top ranks of English football, the world cup, and professional soccer. Most people would have given up in the face of the adversities Jay encountered. However, Mr. Demerit's perseverance, hard work, and relentless pursuit of his dreams drove him from a substitute position in the English pub league to the English Premiere League. Throughout the movie, it becomes apparent that Jay had a lot of people that believed in him and supported him. Among his greatest supporters are Ranko Tutulugdzija and Nick Lewis who wrote and directed the movie and financed the film with their life savings, donations from the website kickstarter.com, and by going into debt. Zach Salsman was the cinematographer. Ranko, Nick, and Zach all deserve kudos for pulling together such a well structured, approachable, and entertaining movie. Jay's drive, passion, and humble personality likely influenced everyone to support him. These hero qualities make Jay a natural leader. If kids want to emulate a professional athlete, it should be Jay Demerit.This movie will be enjoyed by sporting enthusiast, families, and anyone that needs some inspiration in their lives. Many people in the United States are suffering from our recent economic decline, whether it is from lack of work, under pay, or stress from being over worked. Oddly, this movie is about the United States. We are facing rough times and issues that seem impossible to resolve. We were knocked down in 2008, but we need to get ourselves back up and realize our potential with support from our friends, families, and neighbors; just like Jay Demerit did with his life. This movie is exactly what we need to re-energize our spirits and face the adversities of day to day life. I recommend watching this movie a few times and bringing friends or family that are having a rough time or are facing challenges in their lives. I hope teenagers watch this movie and learns from Jay's personal qualities and tenacity.
Criss Cozma
Rise and Shine, The Jay DeMerit story is an excellent documentary not only about Jay's soccer journey, but about hope, faith and dreams... A journey that starts in Green Bay, Wisconsin and continues to London and then to the World Cup. Playing soccer in England at the lowest level for no money, to get to score the most important goal of your career in the most important game, to be named the captain of your team, then to play top teams like Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham or Arsenal, tells how much Jay wanted to make it, to fulfill a dream. His dream! And what greater finish for any soccer player in this world, than to represent and play for his country at the highest level possible? Jay did it! The World Cup 2010 in South Africa This movie should inspire kids, teenagers and adults as well, to follow their dreams no matter the obstacles in life. To believe and to go on! Jay believed in his dream and followed his dream. Nick Lewis and Ranko Tutulugdzija believed in their dreams and directed this unbelievable story of life. Great job guys! Make sure you watch it, it's worth it! Believe in your dream when nobody else does, follow yours when the road is hard and ave faith! It's Jay's story!
