radudinosaur2
This is the first review I write on this site.Rise is good, that's not debatable. Whether is 100% original or not, it's another problem, albeit an unimportant one, since it's almost impossible to create something truly original these days (this paragraph was a response to those comparing it to Glee).Rise wants to bring to light problems, glued together by the theater program. It was the first time I saw an actor with Down syndrome, and I was blown away; it was a nice touch, and further proved me that people like this are truly amazing. Teenage pregnancy is, again, disputed in the show, as well as gay relationships, and how they are perceived from a Christian point of view, and a trans person who is also trans in real life... This one was totally new to me. The "normal" part of the show was sweet; it was the drama that gave me a 40 mins break from the exam that I should study for right now, and it made me love the characters and their stories, which at times meant warmth, and at times meant tension.Now, the modern side of the show had it points that needed to get across. Sometimes, these views and ideas went really well with the story. Sometimes, it was obvious that a certain situation was revolving around a specific moment just to get it across. But, at the end of the show, i am glad that it did not let itself fall into ridiculousness, and instead maintained a balance between story and writers' ideologies. I am bummed that there won't be a second season because Rise was an upward curve of improvement, development and cute moments, which intentionally left multiple plots unresolved. I almost forgot the music. Oh, damn, the music. Oh, damn, the voices. Oh, damn, the talent. Oh, damn, Auli'i Cravalho.
sondra-13
Just heard it's been canceled and I'm very upset. This is a great show, that tried to bridge societal gaps with great voices and a really good story, taking place in a dying steel town In Pennsylvania. I love all of the actors, especially Josh Radner. I hope he perseveres and finds the show or movie that succeeds, because he is an amazing actor. Rosie Perez was nuanced as the assistant director. All the kids were amazing. All of them. I'm so bummed this is done. Hoping Netflix picks it up. It's just probably too real for a commercial network that is too dependent on the farce that is Nielsen ratings. And I know how unreal those ratings are.
naturallyrockin
The main ingredient of this series' "Kool-Aid" is sugar-coated propaganda. The real moral of this show should be -- "Mr Mazzu is a total jerk that you would never want as a teacher, or role model for your children". The writer(s) seem to feel an urgency to cram in every imaginable angle of human drama that involves moral decay. It definitely is reminiscent of Glee's first season, but darker, R-rated. The characters, however, remind me more of High School Musical - it's like Vanessa Hudgens hooked up with Corbin Bleu instead, while Zac's doppleganger is lovesick for the equivalent of Lucas Grabeel. They say, history repeats itself. Unfortunately, it seems to be twisting in a downward spiral.
