User reviews

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.

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+

Better Nate Than Ever (2022) is based off of the book Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle, which I have not read but after watching the movie I am interested in reading the book.

I liked Rueby Woods performance as Nate, he brought the enthusiastic and dedicated personality of someone who wants to get in a lead role in a musical. He also sang the songs well and the songs in the movie are nice to listen to.

The choreography and dance numbers are nice to look at, and I like that Nate goes all the way to New York for his audition. There is a fun song sequence with Nate in New York that I did enjoy and liked watching.

This is a simple, fun, and enjoyable movie that you can watch with your family or if you have kids then they will like it. Give this a watch if you have the time because I enjoyed the time, I spent with this.

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!

In this film the story has a very positive development despite reality.

The story has a nice message about clinging to your dreams despite the odds, although like any other Disney movie, everything is resolved easily and simply, which is not plausible in this reality where we all fight to achieve our dreams. Another thing that doesn't quite convince me is that the sexuality of the main character is never explicitly mentioned, sometimes it is alluded to, but it is never directly said if he is gay or not, maybe it shouldn't matter so much, but the script raises it, then it should be developed with importance. But leaving that aside, I think it's an entertaining movie, at certain points funny, that meets the children's audience by delivering this story about dreams and the courage to fight for them. The production at first looks like a TV movie, but then it improves, especially in the musical numbers, the songs used are catchy even though there are not many. The performances are good, but Lisa Kudrow stands out for her excellent performance.

I think it works very well for children, but not emphasizing the diversity of sexual orientations there is, and that it is completely normal, does not help much with my perception, despite being entertaining and that opens the conversation about dreams and goals.

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.

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.

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.

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! 🎵

Will I waste my time try rying to give a film a chance. This was absolute pants.

Made it for half-hour and had to switch off just terrible all all round.

This movie is PHENOMENAL!! As a theatre kid and someone who DREAMS of being on Broadway, this movie really made me happy! This movie shows the struggle of trying to get into Broadway, and the struggles of acting in general. It shows the incredible journey of a young boy who is passionate about his dream! I have to say, the casting is wonderful! Rueby Wood may be young, but is a FANTASTIC actor! The vocal projection, the body language is just pure joy! I enjoyed every second of this movie and I am DEFINITELY looking forward to seeing Rueby in future films!!

If you are someone who has a dream or a passion, wether it may be theater or not, this movie is for you! As a theatre kid it truly inspired me and I hope it does for you too!

If you are someone who doesnt care for theater or any of that stuff this movie isnt for you. It would simply bore you to death.

The trailer seemed appealing. This was a very disappointing movie. The music, dancing and plot just aren't as good as you think they're going to be. I'm overall disappointed with the quality of Disney's storytelling lately. This continues the downward trend.

Disney has finally released a movie that everyone can watch & relate to a character. Joshua Bassett was a clear standout. He played his role flawlessly. I think this movie will allow the younger audiences to realize that it's okay to be different. There's a stigma in the world that you have to be this or that. Being authentically yourself is the message from this movie. Absolutely 10/10!! Will watch again.

Best way to revive the positive vibes from pre-pandemic times. This story reminds me of how great things were with family who will always support you for who you are and your dreams. One of the best Disney movie this year so far. I hope this kid who plays Nate will get more projects in the future. Cheers! 👌

As someone who has gone through being tormented for loving theater, I adore this movie. It's charming, witty, bright, and joyful. Libby and Nate's actors shine and Joshua Bassett and Lisa Kudrow are amazing (as always).

A wonderfully entertaining film for all ages. And story about making your dreams come true. And a film about fair opportunities. Although the theme is 'gay' and frequently recurring theme, Disney has proven that you can bring this to the attention of both children and adults in a positive way, fitting everyone's experience. However, this is not what the film is about. It's about a boy who runs away from home with his girl friend to audition on Broadway. In his being different from others he shows that this entails magic. Just being average is enough. This boy shows that everyone deserves equal opportunities. Not because you belong to a subculture, but because of what your qualities are. Psychologically a strong story. But no overkill on morality and psychology. First and foremost, it's an entertaining light musical. Fun for the whole family and a movie to watch regularly.

Watched this movie with my family and loved it! It's a fun, talent packed movie. Enjoyed the storyline, loved the cast. Rueby Wood was wonderful as the lead. Loved the Pittsburgh and Penn State shout outs too! This movie is great choice for a family movie night in.

Even my husband (who won't let me play enough Wicked) loved this. Thoroughly entertaining. I appreciated the delicate story in which two young adults are trying to figure out who they are, how they fit in the world. It's the story of so many children: feeling down, excluded, and "different". Nate never gives up!

Thank goodness for theater kids. If not for the mysterious but unquenchable spark in the kids born loving plays and musicals, who would tell our stories? These are the children and teenagers who grow up to create "My Fair Lady," "Hamilton," "Mamma Mia," "Les Miserables," and "The Sound of Music." They are the people who make us laugh, cry, stand up and cheer, and dance in the aisles. Every moment in "Better Nate Than Ever" reflects his own deep love for musicals and for the people who create them. Nate's best and apparently only friend is Libby (Aria Brooks, who has perfected the snap of the Eve Arden-style best-friend delivery). She comforts him when he loses out on the school play with the news that there are open auditions in New York for a new musical based on "Lilo and Stitch," the animated Disney film about a Hawaiian girl who befriends a space creature. Conveniently, Nate's parents and brother will be away for the weekend, so he and Libby sneak off to Manhattan on an overnight bus. When they discover they cannot audition without a parent or guardian, they conveniently run into Nate's Aunt Heidi (the ever-delightful Lisa Kudrow), an actress supporting herself as a caterer. She gives Nate some good auditioning advice and lets him stay with her when he gets a callback. There are two good reasons to watch "Better Nate Than Ever." First, it is smart, fun, and funny, a great movie to share with the family. Second, becoming a Rueby Wood fan right now will make sure you will not miss a moment from a performer who is already a master of comedy, drama, singing, and dancing. Now playing on Disney+.

I could literally not find a single thing I did not like about this movie. It really shows the childhood I could have had. I never dared to be myself and here I am at 24 and I am still not out and proud. This is the movie I would have needed at 13. Hopefully, it will help children all over the world to be themselves from now and forever.

So this wasn't the most amazing movie ever and I mostly gave it 10 starts to offset all the bigots, but I loved the music.

It's a fun movie about a kid following his dreams. Sure, it's convenient, but most of these crazy adventure movies are. It was funny and heartwarming so I had a great time.

It's sweet, heartwarming and the main kid is fantastic.