In BETTER NATE THAN EVER, Nate Foster struggles to land roles in his middle school's drama productions while he fantasizes about becoming a Broadway star. Pure energy and heart, this humorous movie reminds the audience to love themselves—and others—unapologetically. Read on for our full BETTER NATE THAN EVER review.
Rueby Wood as Nate in 20th Century Studios' BETTER NATE THAN EVER, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by David Lee. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
BETTER NATE THAN EVER Review
Tim Federle's BETTER NATE THAN EVER is now streaming exclusively on Disney+ and it's a must-watch for any family with budding theatre kids.
BETTER NATE THAN EVER Review – What Works
We all need a Nate in our life
Nate's full of energy and ray of light. He's for sure a little different and knows it, but isn't afraid to be himself, despite what others around him may think. And why should he be afraid to be himself?
His willingness to be his own unique person, regardless of what others think, is what will make audiences resonate with him. He is accepted for who is his, and Nate is unabashedly himself.
Aria Brooks as Libby and Rueby Wood as Nate in 20th Century Studios' BETTER NATE THAN EVER, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
We all need a Libby in our life
Get a friend who looks at you like Libby looks at Nate—and who moves mountains for you the way she does to help him achieve his dreams. Libby is quite literally the “ride or die” best friend every person needs in their life. Someone who will move the earth to help you reach your goals and is your biggest cheerleader along the way.
Focus on Friendship
We love movies for tweens and teens that focus on friendship and not romance. Altogether too many moves are focused on romantic notions and not friendship for this age group and it's refreshing to see content that isn't focused on romance and relationships.
Rueby Wood as Nate in 20th Century Studios' BETTER NATE THAN EVER, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by David Lee. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Loving Yourself and Being Yourself
One of the big themes throughout BETTER NATE THAN EVER is about being yourself and loving yourself just the way you are. At one point in the movie—the only “romantic” teen part in the entire film—Libby tells Nate that she likes him and he responds by telling her he's sorry but he isn't into her in that way.
Nate alludes to the fact that he is possibly gay (not heterosexual, and not attracted to girls). Beyond that, the discussion isn't detailed, and it isn't necessary, nor is it critical to the story. Nate is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and that's really all the audience needs to know. What's important, is that Nate is telling his truth, and there is power in telling the truth about who you are and who you love. As mentioned above, Nate is unabashedly himself and good with it.
Watch the BETTER NATE THAN EVER Trailer
About BETTER NATE THAN EVER
In the comedy/adventure 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.
Joshua Bassett as Anthony and Rueby Wood as Nate in 20th Century Studios' BETTER NATE THAN EVER, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by David Lee. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
BETTER NATE THAN EVER stars Aria Brooks (“All That,” “Saved in the City”), Joshua Bassett (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”), Michelle Federer (“New Amsterdam,” “The Defenders”) introducing Rueby Wood as Nate, with Norbert Leo Butz (“Debris,” “Fosse/Verdon”) and Lisa Kudrow (“Friends,” “Housebroken”). Based upon the debut novel by Tim Federle, the film was written for the screen by and directed by Tim Federle (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”) in his feature film directing debut. Marc Platt (“La La Land,” “Cruella”) and Adam Siegel (“Oslo,” “Thunderforce”) served as the film’s producers, with Tim Federle and Pamela Thur (“Hustlers,” “Marry Me”) as its executive producers.
Rating: PG, for thematic elements, a suggestive reference, and mild language
Runtime: 91 minutes
Disney’s BETTER NATE THAN EVER begins streaming exclusively on Disney+ April 1.
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