Better Nate Than Ever Review: A Charming, Energetic Film For The Whole Family
Better Nate Than Ever is a love story to theater kids, the ones so firmly in love with musicals and acting that their heart bursts with joy when they hear the song “On Broadway.” The film, written and directed by Tim Federle, who wrote the 2013 novel of the same name, is full of joy. It’s heartwarming and sweet, with a charming lead in Rueby Wood, and a deceptively simple plot that comes alive and makes for an endearing watch.
Nate Foster (Wood) is a 13-year-old from Pittsburgh who has just been turned down for the leading role in his school play. He’s disappointed, of course, having had his heart set on finally getting his big break. Nate sets his sights on a bigger opportunity, however, when his best friend Libby (Aria Brooks) convinces him to take a trip to New York City to audition for the Broadway musical of Lilo & Stitch. They take a bus without letting any of their parents know, meeting up briefly with Nate’s aunt, Heidi (Lisa Kudrow), who signs off on Nate’s audition despite her estrangement from her sister.
Related: Tim Federle Interview: Better Nate Than Ever
The film is stitched together by a deep love of musicals; there’s also a sense of respect for the craft, a passion that radiates so strongly from Nate. He wants to be on Broadway so badly and he's willing to continue fighting for that dream despite any disappointments. Wood plays Nate with such warm exuberance that it's hard to do anything but root for him. He is confident in his craft, weakened only by the lack of support he feels from his older brother (Joshua Bassett), who Nate believes doesn't like him or his love of musicals all that much. Their strained dynamic makes Nate's final moment in the spotlight all the better and it feels earned.
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