Better
Nate Than Ever reminds me about my dreams as a thirteen-year
old obsessed with tap dancing and the movies. I looked forward to all the
wonderful films of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. Who cared if the plots were
always the same? When Mickey said “Let’s put on a show,” I knew dancing and
singing were about to start, and that made me a happy camper, for sure. So I
took tap lessons and saw as many movie musicals as possible.
We see right away that Nate (played with conviction by
Rueby Wood), the main character in Better
Nate Than Never, is surrounded by posters for Wicked and other Broadway projects. We also watch him jump out of
bed and dance like a pro while he’s getting dressed. And we can tell he’s eager
to find out if he made the list for his school’s upcoming play. We also feel sorry for Nate when other
students – as well as his older brother (Joshua Bassett) -- make fun of him.
Nate is only in seventh
grade.
A life-decision he has made.
Broadway musicals, that’s
his goal.
He feels it in his heart and
soul.
He auditions for Broadway
show.
But his parents don’t even
know.
How can he make them
understand?
His aunt helps him and that
is grand.
Singing and dancing on
Broadway.
Will Nate be able to win the
day?
It’s fun to watch this
little guy
with starry dreams up to the
sky.
Musical lovers should enjoy
this adventure of one brave
boy.
Rueby Wood seems to enjoy playing this role. It’s his
first movie, but his professional background includes being cast as Charlie in
the Broadway tour of Charlie and the
Chocolate Factory. Plus, he can sing, dance and act up a storm. His super-dramatic
audition monologue brings down the house.
Wood is lucky to have newcomer Aria Brooks portraying his
good friend Libby. She projects a wonderful screen presence in scenes where
Libby helps Nate with his Broadway goal. Everyone needs an unselfish friend
like Libby. I should mention that they are just friends, no romance intended.
Lisa Kudrow plays Nate’s helpful Aunt Heidi, who also has
Broadway in her blood. These two characters share some heart-tugging scenes
together. Heidi feels bad about being ostracized from her sister’s (Michelle
Federer) family, but she wants to keep in touch with her young nephew..
The musical numbers are fun. However, I wanted more of
them. My favorite? Nate joining a group of New York buskers and singing “On
Broadway,” which goes viral.
Better
Nate Than Ever ends up being a feel-good movie. Thanks to
writer/director Tim Federle for adapting his book for the screen. We need films
like this during these difficult times.
(Released by 20th
Century Studios/Disney + and rated “PG” by MPAA.)
