by Austen Terry, Contributing Writer
The latest Disney+ release, Better Nate Than Ever, is more than just Disney trying to be inclusive. Musicals are really hit or miss for me, and this musical just hit all the right notes. The author of the book on which this musical is based, Tim Federle, wrote and directed this movie for the streaming service. Having Federle be heavily involved in this project is one of the things that makes it that much better. From the chemistry, to the songs, to the choreography, and to the acting everything just hits better. Federle also brought High School Musical: The Musical: The Series to Disney+ as well, and he brought along composer Gabriel Mann to bring this movie musical to us. Will Better Nate Than Ever become the next great classic musical, or just be another movie musical?
Better Nate Than Ever tells the story of Nate (newcomer Rueby Wood), who dreams of starring in his school musical and being a star on Broadway. Then one day his best friend Libby (Aria Brooks) shows him the open call sheet for a Broadway musical of Lilo & Stitch. Nate’s family is all going out of town — brother Anthony (Joshua Bassett) has an away track meet, and parents Rex (Norbert Leo Butz) and Sherrie (Michelle Federer) are going on an anniversary trip, so this leaves the window open for Nate and Libby to run off to New York City alone to audition. Along the ride comes Aunt Heidi (Lisa Kudrow), who is stuck between trying to be the responsible aunt and trying to help Nate achieve his dreams.
The chemistry is really great, and this musical is even able to pull in the message from Lilo & Stitch that no one gets left behind. Wood and Brooks are great together and perfectly play best friends. This is Wood’s first film role outside of his time on Broadway, so you know he understands what Nate is going through. Wood works really well with the other cast as well, like with Bassett, but none better than with Kudrow. Wood and Kudrow are great together, and their bond shines through their scenes together. The acting can really sell a piece. If an actor doesn’t give their all, it can really hurt a movie, but here every actor is giving 110% and it really shows Federle really can bring the best out of everyone.
Mann really shines here with all these songs, and they picked some amazing actors to sing them. Wood even has his own viral moment singing On Broadway by George Benson. Great singing talent is on display in this movie, and the songs are even integrated really well. It’s not just, here’s a scene and some word or phrase leads into a song — they transition into the music undoubtedly well. The songs are even great bops. I have already bought a couple from the album because they were so good. Wood has an amazing voice and he showcases that extremely well here; it’s believable that he could get to Broadway.
The choreography is on point as well for the scenes that require dancing. Wood and Brooks always hit their mark and have great dances throughout. This movie also has references to other popular things, but they are don’t feel like you are being beaten over the head with them. It feels natural and fits the storytelling.
Better Nate Than Ever comes out at an interesting time — it’s being described as “Disney’s Gayest Kids Movie,” which it is, but that’s a good thing in many terms. This movie isn’t a cliche and doesn’t branch into stereotypes, either. Through most of the film, Nate is figuring out who he is and what that means to him. Federle describes this film as a love letter to the theater kids and says this about Nate: “I think that a character like this is going to make a lot of kids feel less alone, but also make a lot of people root for him.” Federle is correct in this; at the end of the movie I was crying with Nate and I was cheering him on to have representation. This matters so much to kids who are either like Nate, or who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community and learning who they are. This film 100% will show kids — especially middle school-age kids — that they are seen and are not alone. This is a great family movie that I hope will be loved by many.
Score: 8/10
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