BETTER NATE THAN EVER – Review

Much like Don Lockwood’s “Broadway Melody” hero in SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, this title kid’s “gotta’ dance”. And sing. And, well, just be on the stage. Any stage, but one on the “great white way”…someday. Yes, this is another tale of a youngster following his “dream” while trying to survive small-town life. Plus he’s trying to keep that dream alive, protecting it from being crushed by those that just don’t “get it”. In this original Disney feature film, this dreamer’s determined to prove he’s got the “chops” because when his big breaks looms, everyone will realize that it’s BETTER NATE THAN EVER. And he’s not gonna be late.

So when we meet Nate (Rueby Wood) early on a school day morning, he’s prepping for the big cast announcement for his middle school’s big stage musical. Of course, his room is adorned with posters of hit Broadway shows past and present. His older brother Anthony (Joshua Bassett) is more concerned about his football team (and girls) while their parents Sherrie (Michelle Federer) and Rex (Norbert Leo Butz) really try to be supportive of both. Rushing to the school office bulletin board, Nate finds out that he has been cast…as a tree. Not “Honest” Abe (if there can be a Hamilton musical, then..). At least he can share his heartbreak with BFF and fellow “theatre geek” Libby (Aria Brooks). Oh, but she knows something that will lift his spirits. It seems that there will be open auditions this weekend for a stage musical of the film LILO & STITCH…in NYC. Oh, but Nate’s folks are going on a weekend getaway leaving Anthony in charge. Could he get past big bro and board an early bus with Libby to the Big Apple? Perhaps they might be able to pull off the “stay over switcheroo” (“I’m staying at Libby’s” “I’m staying at Nate’s”). And they can grab the early evening bus back home after the try-outs. Of course, they won’t run into Nate’s aunt Heidi (Lisa Kudrow), also an aspiring actress now estranged from sister Sherrie. But can they bluff their way past the show’s talent staff who require a parent or guardian to sign the releases (and hopefully a contract)? Really, can these obstacles possibly block the goals of these two “starry-eyed” kids?

With an energy that could light up all of 42nd street, Wood is a most likable lead. His Nate is warm, endearing, but not overbearingly cloy though he does switch over to Disney cable channel emoting a few times. Oh, and he’s a pretty smooth crooner, matched by his often frenetic footwork. Brooks as Libby is the more calming influence, helping Nate get his feet back on the pavement as he reaches for those stars. Yes, she’s a bit sassy (the “tone” gag is overused) but Libby’s good heart shines through. Federer, Bassett, and real Broadway vet Butz make a solid family support unit. But the movie’s true secret weapon, its MVP is the dependable Kudrow who really gets to exercise her sublime comic timing while exposing her nurturing side as the adult who still hangs on to a bit of the dream that propels her nephew, though her hopes are bruised and battered. Boy, were we spoiled when we got to see this gifted pro on TV every week.

Making his feature film directing debut, Tim Federle (who wrote the screenplay adaptation of his own book) keeps the pace moving, propelling us through Nate’s bouncy glittery world. It really plays like a modern fable with NYC a dreamland with only a few sourpusses (they’ll smile when the singing starts). Here’s hoping families will watch this together so there can be discussions about the safety of secret bus trips (you won’t be a social media sensation). Federle does get in a few good digs at “stage parents and kids” behavior while showing the turmoil of cattle calls. But in the wake of other stage-translated Disney flicks would the main character have a full head helmet (more like a cowl/cap and a bit of makeup so the human face shows)? Despite the story’s often implausible twists and coincidences (look who’s at the auditions down the hall), this is a pleasant bouncy bit of fluff buoyed by the terrific Kudrow who truly helps BETTER NATE THAN EVER earn some kudos.

2.5 Out of 4

BETTER NATE THAN EVER begins streaming on Disney+ this Friday, April 1, 2022