Rise (2014)

From the first few moments of the movie, Rise the Protagonist Will is portrayed as a likable, fun-loving, responsible character who cares for others. Vices cause him to seek pleasure in a morally compromising situation which condemns him. Selfishness imprisons him until he is released through the petitions of those that love him. A technicality is exposed and his journey impacts many others. A lesson in integrity, mateship and the value of Christian principles. Watch it to witness lessons that Will learns the examples of effective ministering. The soundtrack and images of self reflection, confrontation and growth are powerful. Midshots, headshots, longshots establish moments of personal struggle and relationships in crisis. Props such as motos, bibles, and pictures help to define and focus the audience onto the Christian Principles and values expounded by Rise.

IGNORE the 2 ignorant nay-sayers in the reviews (I wonder if THEY can act?); this is an OUTSTANDING film, shot locally, with some excellent talent both in front & behind the cameras!Mack Lindon, whom I had the honour to meet recently at the 'Australian Screen Industry Network' Awards (2015), is a genuine guy whose story this is about. It demonstrates how badly the justice system CAN be when it's based on such poor 'evidence'.Some very strong acting by many, and special accreditation should go to Marty Rhone for his BRILLIANT role (suppressed according to rules) - Having myself worked for a government agency in the past, dealing with people with this characters issues, Marty must've gone to great lengths to research this role to portray it so accurately as he did - Until the credits, I actually thought they'd used a person with these particular traits for the role - His performance is THAT good!Well done to Mack & ALL involved! It's now one of my favourite Aussie films. :-)Steve Mack

In short... I loved this film! I've seen it numerous times and each time I get something new out of it. It leaves me feeling totally uplifted and moved and reminds me that this could have happened to me, or my brother, or a friend. And the fact that it's based on a true story is very brave of the filmmaker.The acting is believable particularly by the two leads, newcomer Nathan Wilson (Will McIntyre) and veteran legend Martin Sacks, who plays the hardened criminal Jimmy Cove. Wonderful to see Sacks in such a different role to that of PJ from Blue Heelers - I believe people will be totally blown away by his performance, and together, Cove and McIntyre will captivate audiences with their on screen relationship.Given the budget is well below that of other Aussie films (who I believe had industry financial support) I think they have done a great job! And the soundtrack is great too... the right songs in the perfect spot!! I highly recommend this movie to anyone who has had enough of trashy films, and zombies and vampires but wants to see a quality film that really moves you!! I look forward to more movies by Mack Lindon - lifting the bar on Australian film!!

The acting was worse than awful by absolutely everyone. the timing of each actors deliver was late, almost as if someone was shouting their lines across at them. Their expressions were often contrary to the situation and their forced expressions were in fact painful to watch. The tracks used to supplement the movie were reminiscent of the tackiest 80's b rate movies. Considering it was based on a true story it is disappointing that all concerned could not do it more justice. Talking of justice, the court scenes at the end are probably the worst acting I have ever seen. It seemed as if all the actors had literally been picked up off the street that day and asked to read some lines to camera. All in all a teenager with an iphone could produce better. Don't waste your time.