13-year-old Nate Foster is an unpopular kid who entertains vivid fantasies of becoming a big Broadway musical star. In the meantime, however, Nate can't even get a decent role in his middle school's drama productions; he gets cast as a tree in the chorus instead of in the lead role he craves. However, when he and his best friend Libby mastermind a daring trip to New York City without their parents' knowledge, to audition for "Lilo and Stitch: The Musical," Nate might be on th... (Full plot summary below)
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13-year-old Nate Foster is an unpopular kid who entertains vivid fantasies of becoming a big Broadway musical star. In the meantime, however, Nate can't even get a decent role in his middle school's drama productions; he gets cast as a tree in the chorus instead of in the lead role he craves. However, when he and his best friend Libby mastermind a daring trip to New York City without their parents' knowledge, to audition for "Lilo and Stitch: The Musical," Nate might be on the verge of fulfilling his lifelong dream. But first, he must overcome a series of comical obstacles that threaten his Broadway adventure with disaster at every farcical turn.
Leave your thoughts about Better Nate Than Ever.
| RogerEbert.comNell MinowThere are two good reasons to watch “Better Nate Than Ever.” First, it is smart, fun, and funny, a great movie to share with the family. Second, becoming a Rueby Wood fan right now will make sure you will not miss a moment from a performer who is already a master of comedy, drama, singing, and dancing. |
| PolygonPetrana RadulovicBetter Nate Than Ever — based on Federle’s debut novel — shines from beginning to end, with a stellar central character and just the right amount of whimsy and reality. |
| VarietyCourtney HowardFunny, vibrant, yet schmaltzy to a fault, this Disney Plus family film can carry a tune, but falters in crafting a runaway hit. |
| Movie NationRoger MooreThe film itself is an innocuous but pleasant “Junior High School Musical” from the writer/creator of that Disney blockbuster — Federle — with Gabriel Mann (“A Million Little Things”) serving up pleasantly forgettable songs. |
| The New York TimesAmy Nicholson[Tim Federle's] leads deliver hearty performances that elevate the movie, particularly once we’ve had time to adjust to the gusto of Wood, whose wired performance has the flavor of Hugh Jackman’s exuberance squeezed into an espresso cup. |
| Screen RantMae AbdulbakiBetter Nate Than Ever is full of charm, supportive friendships and familial relationships, and a passionate love of musical theater and these elements work together to create a lovely, entertaining viewing experience. |
| User Reviewnjorgens001This film goes out to all theatre kids of all ages. I have always loved all things theatre, musicals, singing, dancing and broadway. This film is based on a book of the same name from author: Tim Federle. It is awesome that he is also the writer and director of this film. Great cast, great script, great score, and great songs. I will be watching this film and reading the book for many years to come. |
| User ReviewRoyzenAn enjoyable feel good movie about dreams and the goal of reaching them. The actor playing nate plays really well. |
| User ReviewbenjanzenBetter Nate Than Ever is a fun and wholesome musical(ish?). Strong DCOM vibes here and the script is filled with some cringeworthy pop cultural references, but it wasn’t overbearing to the point that it became annoying. It’s got great energy and pace, and the cast here all do a fine job. I’d check it out if you’re at all into musical theatre. |
| User ReviewMauro_Lanari(Mauro Lanari) Built to cast Rueby Wood as the new Disney Channel genderfluid star, nothing is better than Nate. |
