Better Nate Than Ever - A Disney+ Movie Review

If I’m going to audition for this musical, we have to leave for New York tonight.

Better Nate Than Ever arrived on Disney+ in 2022. 13-year-old Nate has a dream to be the next Broadway star. When a call for open auditions is announced in New York, Nate and his best friend, Libby mastermind a plan to travel to the big city and get back in one day’s time.

I was on the fence if I wanted to see this film. Making the decision, I am so glad that I did. All audiences, particularly children, young adults, and any theater enthusiast needs to watch Better Nate Than Ever. It supplies helpful expertise in auditioning.

For his film debut, Rueby Wood is impressive. Nate is a determined, confident, and goofy kid who tends to get ahead of himself. Wood set the character, but he was too enthusiastic and expressive at times.

It is evident that Wood comes from a theater background, which helped him in his performance on many levels. His singing voice was commendable. Aside from that, Nate is a leader for all kids, notably, boys of his age.

I loved Nate and Libby’s (Aria Brooks) friendship. The two shared sweet moments and also amplified a lesson that it’s okay for friends to go in separate directions.

Lisa Kudrow is fantastic as Aunt Heidi. Friends fans will recognize Phoebe Buffay who is still living in New York. Heidi helps Nate learn an essential lesson about theater and life. This film is the best example of the importance of a relationship with an aunt.

A lot who were involved as side characters or ensemble members are veterans of the theater world. Norbert Leo Butz and Michelle Federer, who played Nate’s parents, were part of the cast of the original Wicked on Broadway.

Theater is given the best representation. Tim Federle gave light to the audition process, one of the toughest parts of the theater. He grasped the perspective and imagination of a child. At times, there were too many camera movements switching between conversations.

Conducting the right theater atmosphere, the musical moments were my favorite. ‘On Broadway’ was the best song. Musicals allow us to say things we can’t say in real life. If not theater, eventually, we will find what we are good at.

Federle could have made side stories more well-rounded. Supporting characters were not used to their fullest potential. Libby should have stuck around longer. Nate needed more characters to work off from, instead of spending most of the time wandering around and talking to himself. The middle half was a little slow but found its pacing again by the end.

I liked the sibling dynamic between Nate and Anthony (Joshua Bassett) but it wasn’t developed enough. The film felt like it was following more of Nate’s journey and that he was mainly trying to prove to himself that he could achieve this goal. By the end, it suddenly became a story about impressing his older brother.

Auditions are a scary process. Remember, it’s important to be yourself. Throughout my experience in the theater, I have been nervous about every audition. Not every audition goes well. Remind yourself that it is a learning lesson. Never give up and keep auditioning.

Off-topic, but Is Lilo and Stitch the Musical a thing in real life? Because if not, it needs to become a Broadway musical.

Better Nate Than Ever is a film for all families to watch. I recommend that you go watch it on Disney+. It’s a fun and entertaining film.