Rising Stars

This movie caught me by surprise when I saw it on Encore Family. Three film makers along with three musical acts, team up to make a music video. However, the producer tries to sabotage the finalists by destroying their prized possessions (notebook, computer & guitar). The young stars figure out what happened & they all decided to forfeit the contest & make a musici video of their own, they can be proud of.

This movie features Nickelodeon star Leon Thomas III (Vistorious), who showcasd his lead singing talents. He got his start guesting on three different Nick series (Just Jordan, ICarly & Naked Brothers Band).

But Kyle Riabko stands out playing the lead singer/guitarist, Chance McGraw. He has a good voice & rocks on the guitar. With a name like Chqnce, he deserves to have the Community Chest LOL; Monopoly joke).

Rising Stars is a decent enough family film with some young people auditioning to appear on a reality TV show concerning the making of music videos. Fisher Stevens is the producer of the show and he selects three teams of artists and film makers.

Stevens is looking for ratings and he deliberately instigates rivalry and strife between the teams. One of the kids who is a film maker is Graham Patrick Martin who is best known for being the gay kid on Major Crimes is full of himself and he's doing enough on his own. But when possessions are destroyed eventually the kids realize how they're being exploited. They form a united front and triumph.

Stevens is a Snidely Whiplash like villain and kind of fun to watch. Barry Corbin plays a janitor who proves to be a mentor and adviser to young Kyle Riabko who comes from a white trash background.

Rising Stars is a good family oriented film with some nice music played a talented cast.

Fisher Stevens ends up being quite a nasty villain. After his fine performance in "Early Edition" years ago, I thought he was flat at first, but he later does quite a good job.

Of the kids, Lauren Ashley Carter does the best job as the somewhat depressed Natalie, who gradually shows a more pleasant side. My favorite moment was one where she showed why she's not a performer. I thought all the younger actors did a good job, in particular Graham Patrick Martin as the bully Garrett, who also turns out better than we first thought.

Barry Corbin is the real standout as a janitor who gives advice to the kids.

I also thought the actress playing Mo's poor assistant did a good job but I have no idea who she is from looking at the credits. But you have to like her and feel sorry for her.

The actor playing JR's father also does a good job, but I don't remember the man's name.

I didn't care for the music, but I'm not in the target audience here. The kids are all talented. Young people will probably like it. The music videos are well done, and "Refund Desk" is a lot of fun.

JR actually does music I sort of like in the chapel, with a solo piano, but it's not part of the competition. Someone else plays a nice blues guitar, but again, it's not quite what I enjoy.

It's a worthwhile movie with good lessons.