Kattiera Nana I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

CrawlerChunky In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Gurlyndrobb While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

Quiet Muffin This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

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.

louiskensei The poorest of all men is not one without a cent, it is one without a dream.This is the first thing that pops up in Rise and Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story, a documentary about the soccer star to have played for Watford FC in England and the United States Men's National Team.I came into this documentary film knowing what to expect: I have been an avid follower and fan of Jay DeMerit since his Watford side cinched a playoff place against Leeds United in the Championship, only to win it emphatically by a score of 3 to 0. What drew me the most were the rumors I would here from my soccer-obsessed friends: "He's just a guy from Green Bay! I hear he played in pub leagues!" As a soccer player from Wisconsin, I instantly wanted to know more -- and the truth -- about this man who was slowly becoming a Midwest hero to all of us soccer fans in the cheese head state.Aside from some news articles or interviews here and there, the man who would later don a USA jersey and play in the 2010 World Cup was a bit of a mystery. Or, at the very least, we all knew bits and pieces of his story, but there was no definitive tale; there was only what could be told in the pages of newspapers or magazine articles.This documentary gives the definitive story of Jay and his rise to soccer stardom. It wasn't a quick rise -- hell, it was about as quick as a man running through quicksand -- but one that was only made possible by his sheer determination and upbeat attitude.As one of the professional coaches in the movies says, usually by the time a player is 19 or 20, they pretty much have zero chance at being a professional. Jay was past this magical age requirement, and the fact that such a low percentage of players get to play in England's Barclays Premier League -- the highest level of soccer in England and most possibly the world -- he still persevered.Seeing how things are set into motion starting from the time Jay was in grade school really gives viewers a sense of just how amazing the journey is. The sheer amount of interview time given to family members, friends, coaches and others who knew Jay -- whether it be the mom in England who took him in as his own and jokes about him stepping in dog poop, or his teammates -- helps to paint a picture of who Jay is.One of the more interesting aspects of the film is how it delves into the issues faced with being an American trying to break into English football -- or just an athlete in general trying to break into English football. Already shunned by the Chicago Fire while a member of their development team, Jay also had to contend with preconceived notions of just how good an American can be at the sport, and the background given on the many leagues and systems used to spot and cultivate talent is interesting.Rise and Shine weaves between presenting a very personal story to the broader football aspect in a way that never feels disjointed.This isn't just a great movie about an American soccer player, or a great story about living your dreams of playing professional soccer -- it's also a wonderful sports story that really feeds on what it means to be a driven athlete and human being. Those who love soccer will love this movie, but more importantly, those who love grit, determination and people succeeding in the face of adversity and numerous obstacles will walk away having seen the embodiment of all of that.When Jay gets his first break I got goosebumps: I already knew how his story would end, but the film does a great job of building up anticipation and kind of subtly, and quickly, going through all these key moments in Jay's career.The only knock on the movie is the fact that there is very little footage from the 2010 World Cup. Since it is the pinnacle of Jay's career, I would have liked more. However, with a minute of tournament footage costing about $50,000, I can understand the need to squeeze in as little as possible.At the end of the movie viewers find out that Jay is not only at the Vancouver Whitecaps this year, but also what happened to his friend, Kieren, who first helped him out by inviting him to England in the first place. Although this was Jay's story, I couldn't help but wonder if his friend also made it too. He did.Conclusion:Documentary films can either be extremely boring or extremely enjoyable. Thankfully, the story about American soccer star, Jay DeMerit, is nothing but enjoyable. It's a story about heart, grit and determination against all odds to make one's dreams come true. Soccer and sports fans alike will love Rise and Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story.

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!

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!