Better Nate Than Ever

For Disney + standards, this film is good. But for films in general, its fine but forgettable. I think it was weird that Disney was commercializing so much of there content for one. But other than that its just a Broadway fan service kind of film. And hits all the notes that you would expect from a Disney straight to streaming service kind of film to do.

Greetings again from the darkness. Maybe the only great thing about adolescence is that dreams are still alive ... and in full bloom. Writer-director Tim Federle has adapted his own best-selling Young Adult novel for the big screen, and the result is a fun, uplifting adventure that should really hit home for theater kids. It's very much in the vein of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, and that makes sense as Mr. Federle is the creator of "High School Musical: The Musical - The Series".

Casting is crucial in a film like this, and Rueby Wood excels as the titular Nate, a 13-year-old growing up in suburban Pittsburgh while dreaming of starring on Broadway. One of Nate's challenges is that he can't even get cast for a significant role in his school's stage production. This is the first big screen appearance for young Wood, though he has starred in the national tour of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." He is immensely talented and sings, dances, and acts his way through this story in a way that draws us in to the point that we embrace his dreams and cheer him on.

To help her best friend overcome his disappointment in the school play and encourage him to chase his dream, Libby (Aria Brooks) informs Nate that auditions are being held for a Broadway production, "Lilo & Stitch: The Musical". Excited for the opportunity, the two sneak off to New York City. By this point, we've seen that Nate's mother and father (real life married couple Michelle Federer and Norbert Leo Butz) accept that their son is 'different', while Nate's jock brother Anthony (Joshua Bassett) puts up with him the way most big brothers do with their weird siblings.

Once in NYC, the story takes a turn. Nate and Libby run into his Aunt Heidi (Lisa Kudrow). Although estranged from her sister, Nate's mom, Heidi's experience as an actress in New York has made her an idol to the young actor wannabe. Of course some of what happens at the audition is a bit far-fetched, but Nate's optimism and determination and faith restore some of those long-past emotions in Heidi and the two establish quite a bond. In an interesting turn, Libby is much more than the loyal friend to Nate, as the experience/adventure shines a light on a path that suits her oh so well.

Rueby Wood delivers a sparkling performance as Nate, flaunting his vocal pipes in Times Square. Aria Brooks is every bit as impressive as Libby, and we get the feeling her career is about to explode. This is comedy and quasi-musical that acts as an uplifting adventure movie serving up life lessons along the way. Most parents would prefer their unaccompanied minor kids not hop a bus to the Big Apple, but the messages of pursuing a dream and the importance of friendship and family are well made. It's nice to see a film directed at theater kids and one that the whole family (other than the youngest of kids) can enjoy together.

April 1, 2022 launch on Disney+

Joshua Bassett apparently doesn't need to act to be a jerk. Lol. Joke asides, Better Nate Than Ever is a delightful light musical. Regardless of its many cliches, the film is actually quite evocative, touching, and entertainingly fun. 🎵Untill Queendom come! 🎵

Queerbaiting at its finest.... I get that you can't really show all thats in the book but wtf! If you're gonna make a movie based on a book that explores themes about sexuality, breaking norms, and discovering yourself inspite of what the world around you says, than do that!! Don't just hint to Nate's queerness, or don't just show his only interaction to a lgbtq couple (and that too is just alluded to) is to ask for directions! The movie on its own is great, the fact that disney kept dropping hints of the character possibily being gay but not just outright saying it, says alot about them. They still need to make this movie profitable, so they'll hint to it, but never outright admit it.

There is no doubt that Rueby Wood is a talented kid. His enthusiasm as Nate is infectious and you have to cheer him on. Nate's parents aren't bad parents, just a little unaware. Nate's brother, a high-school jock, is embarrassed by his somewhat effete younger brother. And Nate's friend Libby, his enabler, is a little slow in understanding Nate's concept of girlfriend. But Lisa Kudrow, is wonderful as his would be mother and slightly kooky Aunt Heidi. This is a well-intentioned film with a strong message of letting people be who they are. With heart and some terrific song and dance numbers, this is an entertaining film.