This review was made possible by an advance copy of Better Nate Than Ever provided by Disney.
Better Nate Than Ever is arguably one of the better original movies released by Disney+. However, I do think there will be plenty more great films released on the service this year. This film is simply so special. Audiences of all ages will respond well to this, but I firmly believe that young teens will really enjoy this film and connect with it strongly. Making this film a must-watch for all, especially over the Easter holidays
Music To My Ears
Last year was such a love letter to the wonderful world of musicals with titles such as Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, West Side Story, In the Heights and Dear Evan Hansen gracing the silver screen and streaming services, and whilst this year most likely won’t match the number of musical titles, there could still be some great musicals. I am glad to say that Better Nate Than Ever is one of them
Better Nate Than Ever is definitively a coming-of-age story that follows the titular character, Nate Foster, as he follows his dreams when he bravely travels to New York City to audition for the brand new Broadway musical “Lilo and Stitch”. I was very excited about this film, even since its initial announcement especially given director Tim Federle’s involvement with High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and if you’re a long time reader, you’ll know how much of a guilty pleasure of mine that show is.
This Is What Dreams Are Made Of
One of the film’s big messages is dreams, and I think it is so important to always follow your dreams. This film perfectly captures what a dream is, and how special they can be to a person. During the course of the film, we’re shown different dreams and how some choose to pursue them, how some do not and the long term effects of these decisions.
We meet Nate’s Aunt Heidi, played by Lisa Kudrow who followed her dreams to become an actress, and this is instantly contrasted by her sister, Nate’s mother who never followed her dreams. This regret of following her own dreams is what presents a real feel-good moment when she inevitably lets her son follow his own dreams, a real full-circle moment.
In the film, Nate is told he is not ready for the lead role at his school, which is what pushes him to go to New York and follow his dreams. I think a lot of people will really be able to connect with Nate as he follows these dreams, and does the craziest things to achieve them. The film truly is a fun adventure, and it really made me feel like a young teen all over again.
I should also point out that there are some great laugh out loud moments consistently during Better Nate Than Ever. One scene especially plays on the fact that Lilo and Stitch is set on the island of Hawaii, and one requirement for the kids during the auditions is for the kids to not be allergic to Macadamia nuts… The punchline soon follows with a child running out crying, quite funny!
‘Better Nate Than Ever’ Is The Ultimate Musical Love Letter
I grew up during my time in high school performing in the annual musical, so watching this film really took me back to a time when I was my happiest. Getting to perform on stage was the absolute best. Musical theatre is such a wonderful thing and this film is a love letter to musical theatre. From references. to appearances from established Broadway actors, to posters from The Music Man and Wicked to even a cut of Nate, Libby and Anthony belting out Defying Gravity whilst on a drive – this film has it all.
Better Nate Than Ever is a bonafide musical, and I was absolutely living for the musical numbers throughout the numbers. I was worried to discover the films running time, but the film manages to perfect the balance of singing to dialogue so that you don’t become too disinterested throughout the watch. The songs are catchy too, and I for sure cannot wait to be able to listen to the soundtrack – especially ‘Big Time’.
Better Nate Than Ever‘s Shining Stars
The film’s two leads Aria Brooks and Rueby Woods are stars, and the chemistry between the two onscreen is immense. It is incredible to believe this is Woods’ first on-screen role. Woods has performed on stage prior to his performance as Nate, when he played Charlie Bucket during the US tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Woods’ singing voice is fantastic, especially when performing the film’s first number ‘Big Time’.
For two young actors, both provide an increidbly mature and experienced performance at times, andat times you forget these are younger teenagers, especially when on-screen with Joshua Bassett, who plays Nate’s older brother Anthony.
Aria Brooks is set to appear in another Disney+ later this year, ironically another Federle project. Brooks will be starring in Season 3 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series as Alex, a sharp and smart eighth grader and brand-new Camp Shallow Lake camper. All eyes will be glued following her performance in Better Nate Than Ever, for sure.
Hopes For A Sequel?
I am curious to know how different the film is from the original book, also written by Federle. One can only assume the fact that Federle has kept everything the same. Meaning that there is a page-to-screen translation that so many screenwriters crave for when adapting a well-known story. Success with Better Nate Than Ever could lead to Disney+ green-lighting the two possible sequels, Five, Six, Seven, Nate! and also Nate Expectations – both written by Federle. I would love to see Disney+ move forward this!
Final Thoughts
Better Nate Than Ever is the ultimate, feel-good love letter to Broadway. The film dares to dream and succeeds in telling a feel good story of a young boy who dreams of being in the limelight. Rueby Woods shines as the lead Nate, this film has it all. Don’t miss this film if you love all things musicals
Better Nate Than Ever arrives on Disney+ on Friday
In Disney’s musical comedy “Better Nate Than Ever,” 13-year-old Nate Foster has big Broadway
dreams. There’s only one problem — he can’t even land a part in the school play. But when his
parents leave town, Nate and his best friend Libby sneak off to the Big Apple for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to prove everyone wrong. A chance encounter with Nate’s long-lost Aunt
Heidi turns his journey upside-down, and together they must learn that life’s greatest adventures
are only as big as your dreams. Based on the award-winning novel.
