“Rise” Disney+ Social Media First Reactions
This coming Friday, Disney’s latest sports drama, “Rise”, is being released on Disney+ on Friday 24th June 2022. “Rise,” is based on the triumphant real-life story about the remarkable family that produced the first trio of brothers to become NBA champions in the history of the league – Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Laker Kostas Antetokounmpo, and their younger brother Alex.
After emigrating from Nigeria to Greece, Charles and Vera Antetokounmpo (Dayo Okeniyi and Yetide Badaki, respectively) struggled to survive and provide for their five children, while living under the daily threat of deportation. With their oldest son still in Nigeria with relatives, the couple were desperate to obtain Greek citizenship but found themselves undermined by a system that blocked them at every turn. When they weren’t selling items to tourists on the streets of Athens with the rest of the family, the brothers – Giannis (Uche Agada) and Thanasis (Ral Agada) – would play basketball with a local youth team. Latecomers to the sport, they discovered their great abilities on the basketball court and worked hard to become world class athletes, along with brother, Kostas (Jaden Osimuwa). With the help of an agent, Giannis entered the NBA Draft in 2013 in a long shot prospect that would change not only his life but the life of his entire family. And last season, Giannis and Thanasis helped bring the Milwaukee Bucks their first championship ring in 50 years, while Kostas played for the previous season champs, the Los Angeles Lakers.
The embargo for the early social media reactions has been lifted and here are some of the highlighted early reviews:
Disney's #Rise drops onto #disneyplus this Friday and is a lovely story of the Antetokounmpos family, who will do whatever it takes to fulfil their dreams. Even if you don't like basketball like me, don't sleep on this one, I really enjoyed it. It's charming & a great family film pic.twitter.com/vzW6MUXNWx
— What’s On Disney Plus (@disneyplusnews) June 20, 2022
#RISE is so much more than a basketball movie. The Antetokounmpo family’s story is an inspirational one whether you know the brothers or not. It encourages everyone to chase their dreams, step into the unknown, and never forget the value of family (and those like family). pic.twitter.com/dzwDzEGWWn
— Ashley Saunders ➡️ 💙 + ⚡️ (@ThatAshleyErin) June 20, 2022
RISE is not only a sports movie, but it's the incredible story of the Antetokounmpo family & the sacrifices they made together to become basketball royalty. Humble beginnings can't stop hard work, dedication, and faith. An inspiring tale where nice guys don't finish last.#RISE pic.twitter.com/Kyj8b1QANK
— Tania Lamb (@LolaLambchops) June 20, 2022
#Rise is simple but effective. A good enough movie to be called a Disney+ Original Movie. It’s inspiring enough to have their target audience continue to fight for their dreams. I would have loved a more developed storyline given the “uphill battle” of the Antetokounmpo family. pic.twitter.com/BaljYBy4Y5
— Rafy Mediavilla 🇵🇷 (@Rmediavilla) June 20, 2022
#DisneyPlus' new film #RISE isn't truly about basketball but explores the Antetokounmpo's journey, the value of family, and what it means to chase your dreams; surely inspiring many others to do the same. pic.twitter.com/mOV4K4Xd61
— Murphy's Multiverse (@MultiverseMurph) June 20, 2022
“Rise” stars Dayo Okeniyi, Yetide Badaki, Manish Dayal, Taylor Nichols, introducing Ral Agada and introducing Uche Agada. The film was directed by Akin Omotoso (“Vaya”), written by Arash Amel (“A Private War”) and produced by Bernie Goldmann (“300”). Giannis Antetokounmpo and Douglas S. Jones served as the executive producers.
The film will debut on Friday 24th June, exclusively on Disney+.
Roger Palmer
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