Release: Rise Again

 

Rise Again

Genre: Sports/Drama

Director: Olivia Wilde

Writer: Andrew Doster

Cast: Raffey Cassidy, Mila Kunis, Isabela Merced, Lara McDonnell, Emily Beecham, Kevin McKidd, Laura Benanti, Breanna Yde

Budget: $29,000,000

Domestic Box Office: $14,588,277

Foreign Box Office: $18,765,824

Total Profit: -$27,400,566

Reaction: Even with its family friendly rating, it was clearly hard to get people into the theaters for a 3-hour gymnastics drama.

"There is both grace and grit in Rise Again, Olivia Wilde’s overlong but admirably earnest sports drama that charts the rise, fall, and redemption of a British gymnast. Raffey Cassidy delivers a grounded, quietly powerful performance, and Mila Kunis provides a welcome jolt of energy and pathos in a surprisingly affecting supporting turn. However, at over three hours, the film buckles under the weight of its own ambition, stretching what could have been a poignant two-hour tale into a sprawling, at times meandering saga. The choice to center such an epic narrative on the British gymnastics program, rather than a more globally dominant power, is curious if not outright limiting in emotional scale. Still, thanks to Wilde’s sensitive direction and an evocative score, Rise Again earns its place among the better sports dramas of recent years—even if it doesn't stick every landing." - Stephen Anderson, Entertainment Weekly

"Rise Again feels very similar to the sports films of yesteryear, being parts inspirational and parts manipulative at the same time. In the end, however, an incredible performance by Raffey Cassidy is what sells the film. You feel every emotion she experiences during her journey from injury to competing in the Olympics. It helps that, and this may be a bit controversial, she doesn't win in the end. She just gets to show the world what she's capable of, ala Rocky all those years ago. That to me is the selling point of this film and what, ultimately, makes this a worthy recommendation." - Mitchell Parker, New York Times

"Rise Again is three hours and change of ankle tape, inspirational speeches, and an absolutely bonkers fixation on England being the cultural and athletic epicenter of global gymnastics. Props to Raffey Cassidy—she’s believable, grounded, and carries this endlessly winding narrative on her (possibly torn) ACL. Mila Kunis also brings needed gravitas, even if she’s saddled with every inspirational mentor line you’ve ever heard. But the movie has the pacing of a rehabilitation montage on loop, and just when you think it's about to end, a knee flares up. Moving in moments? Definitely. But by the time Mia hits the podium in LA, you’re just grateful your own ligaments survived the runtime." - Clark Davis, JoBlo.com

Rated PG for thematic elements