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Better Nate Than Ever
By Jennifer Green,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Book-based tween musical celebrates differences, diversity.

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Better Nate Than Ever
Community Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
An enjoyable, if slow moving, Broadway drama for the family
What's the Story?
Seventh grader Nate (Rueby Wood) has pizazz and musical talent to burn, but only he and his best friend, Libby (Aria Brooks), seem to know it in BETTER NATE THAN EVER. Others bully and tease him, including his sporty big brother, Anthony (Joshua Basett). When he's passed over for a lead role in the school musical, Nate takes Libby (who may or may not have a crush on him) up on her idea to sneak away to New York City and audition for a Broadway version of Lilo and Stitch. There they run into Nate's estranged Aunt Heidi (Lisa Kudrow), an actress who lives in the city, and they embark on adventures both planned and unplanned.
Is It Any Good?
This is a film for every kid who's ever felt different, or has imagined their name in lights, or was sure they were cut out for bigger things but hadn't yet discovered what they were. Nate, the titular character of the charming Better Nate Than Ever, and best friend Libby are so sure they're meant for more than their Pittsburgh middle school lives that they're willing to take chances and even put themselves in potential danger to pursue their dreams. What makes this movie special is the single-mindedness with which a 13-year-old main character follows his passion, and the innocence and sweetness the story retains despite portraying realistic life challenges.
Nate (charismatic newcomer Wood) is delightfully irrepressible. The script and direction capture this in ways both big and small -- his Axe body spray moment after maddening his brother with song and dance at 7:30 in the morning, his triumphant look upon returning to complete a purchase in dimes and quarters earned busking in Times Square, his riveting monologue from Designing Women. Not every scene lands perfectly, and curiously, his first big imagined musical number, meant to be Golden Age Hollywood fabulous, has less spark than his emotional, climactic singing audition. When the director tells him that musicals allow us to say the things we can't actually say in real life, we totally get it -- thanks to Nate.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the pros and cons of Nate and Libby's decision to run away from home to audition on Broadway in Better Nate Than Ever. Did they potentially put themselves in danger? What could they have done instead?
Nate is bullied at school, laughed at by his brother, and called "different" by his dad. How does Nate handle this behavior? What role does Libby play in supporting him?
Anthony admits he feels a lot of pressure from his parents. Do you think they mean to make him feel this way? How do you think a parent can be supportive without putting pressure on a child?
How would you describe the musical numbers Nate imagines himself starring in? Did they remind you of any other movies you've watched?
Have you read the book that this film is based on? If so, how does the movie compare? If not, will you read it now?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: April 1, 2022
- Cast: Rueby Wood , Aria Brooks , Lisa Kudrow
- Director: Ted Federle
- Inclusion Information: Black actors, Female actors
- Studio: Disney+
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Adventures , Book Characters , Brothers and Sisters , Friendship , Middle School , Music and Sing-Along
- Run time: 91 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: thematic elements, a suggestive reference and mild language
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: November 2, 2023
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