Better Nate Than Ever

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.

Congratulations Disney on your first movie with a gay lead without even mentioning words like "gay". But I guess baby steps are also steps. Nevertheless, it was a fun no-brainer movie worth watching!

The film itself was solid, based on the book by Tim Federle with some changes. I really liked how the overall message of the film seemed to be around family and how the musical Nate auditions for is Lilo and Stitch which has the overall message of family. The acting by the cast is good and shows character development.

Overall, 7/10.

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.