Overall Thoughts: A little too bold and ham-fisted at times, but Broadway tribute is fun and heartfelt.
I really liked the concept of Better Nate than Ever. A kid running away to chase his Broadway dream. That's a fun idea. In its' trailers, it also carried a very similar low-key vibe to the High School Musical films. Of course, the film's director (Tim Federle) directed the first two (fairly enjoyable) seasons of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series for Disney+ so that probably helps.
And the final film here is upbeat, fun, and has a lot of heart. Nate (played by newcomer Rueby Wood) is a charismatic, fun character. Wood brings emotional breadth and theatrics to his role in a way that is convincing without overselling the part. Meanwhile, Aria Brooks is very solid opposite Wood. She brings a sense of street smarts and a kind heart to Nate's good friend Libby.
I also appreciate how Better Nate than Ever is more low-key and focused on performances. It does not emphasize the big-budget pizzazz of recent Broadway fare. It was nice to see an audition process and appreciation for shows that are not big-budget spectacles. Yes, big-budget spectacles are fun and impressive in their own right. But, at the same time, it's nice to see a movie like this focus on how Broadway can be magical from a minimalist point of view.
That being said, where the film is minimalist in how Broadway is depicted, it does become a little bit too driven in its' efforts to embrace progressive thinking and some modern "theater kid" stereotypes. Most is implied and not spelled out, but there's enough dialogue and situations to give viewers the idea that Nate has different interests and romantic preferences. It's not as pronounced as it could have been, but it could have been toned down a bit more in favor of "lets chase our dreams!" There are a few moments of dialogue that come from the child actors as well that come across as correcting or "educating" the adults or teenagers. This came across a bit too hamfisted and a little disrespectful for my taste. Finally, Nate's actions of running away from home and lying are not handled in an appropriate way with consequences.
Lisa Kudrow is very well cast as Nate's estranged aunt Heidi. Her slightly sarcastic, self-deprecating persona works well, while bringing some real-world wisdom to the proceedings. Joshua Bassett fits in well as older brother Anthony. And Norbert Leo Butz is alright, but is not given enough dialogue to be sympathetic as the casting director (though, to be fair, many Broadway or film casting directors can be a little bit on the strict or unsympathetic side).
On a side-note, the idea of adapting Lilo and Stitch (one of my personal favorite movies of all-time) into a Broadway musical for this film seemed a little outlandish (yet exciting) for me at first. Perhaps I was protective of the movie. But, the glimpses we do see here (a few costumes and one or two pitch songs) were very clever. It's been exciting for me personally to see this movie re-enter the pop culture conversation over the last year, as the film heads toward its 20th anniversary this summer.
Ultimately, Better Nate Than Ever is not going to be on any end-of-year lists nor did it make me beg for a sequel or rewatch. But, at the same time, it does exactly what it sets out to do. A chase your dreams story that is familiar and comforting, like a warm plate of macaroni and cheese (or a Broadway musical you've seen a few times). It has a little bit of gristle and dryness in the form of some unnecessary progressive pushes, but overall remains an enjoyable diversion.
Grade: B
Is this movie family-friendly? Better Nate Than Ever is rated PG for "thematic elements, a suggestive element, and mild language." This movie is not necessarily for younger children. The Broadway musical genre, for one, may or may not be everyone's cup of tea (especially youngsters). Second, the film gently begins to (but falls short of fully) explore more mature topics that parents may not be ready to discuss with their children (different romantic preferences, for example). Meanwhile, the children in this movie lie repeatedly. Nate runs away from home, and Libby helps cover it up. He also sneaks into a closed museum. Nate also does not receive reprimanding or punishment for his actions. In the end, this movie is more suitable for middle schoolers and parents who are ready to have these conversations with their children. For middle and high school musical theater fans, this might be very enjoyable.
