Better Nate Than Ever

Name: Better Nate Than Ever
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Family, Musical
Released: April 1, 2022
Duration: 91 min
Rating: 66
Cast: Alex Wong, Gwyneth Anne Trumbore, Jacob Guzman, Jared Goldsmith, Joshua Bassett

2022

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 6 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 10 Ratings

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5.4	User Score Mixed or average reviews based on 10 Ratings

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Better Nate Than Ever (UK Trailer 1)

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Movie Details & Credits

Disney+ | Release Date (Streaming): April 1, 2022 | PG

Starring: Alex Wong, Gwyneth Anne Trumbore, Jacob Guzman, Jared Goldsmith, Joshua Bassett, Julia Blanchard, Lisa Kudrow, Mandy Gonzalez, Michael Joseph DiBenedetto Jr., Michelle Federer, Norbert Leo Butz, Priscilla López, Rueby Wood, Suzanne Savoy

Summary: 13-year-old Nate Foster is an unpopular Midwestern 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, getting cast as a tree in the chorus instead of the lead role he craves. However, when he and his best friend13-year-old Nate Foster is an unpopular Midwestern 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, getting cast as a tree in the chorus instead of 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 may be on the verge of fulfilling his lifelong dream. But first, he has to overcome a series of comical obstacles that threaten his Broadway adventure with disaster at every farcical turn.… Expand

Director: Tim Federle

Genre(s): Drama, Comedy, Family, Musical

Rating: PG

Runtime: 91 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

RogerEbert.com Nell Minow

Apr 1, 2022

There 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. Read full review

Polygon Petrana Radulovic

Apr 1, 2022

Better 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. Read full review

Movie Nation Roger Moore

Mar 15, 2022

The 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. Read full review

Amy Nicholson

Mar 31, 2022

[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. Read full review

Courtney Howard

Apr 6, 2022

Funny, vibrant, yet schmaltzy to a fault, this Disney Plus family film can carry a tune, but falters in crafting a runaway hit. Read full review

Mae Abdulbaki

Apr 8, 2022

Better 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. Read full review

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User Reviews

njorgens001

Apr 19, 2022

This 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, greatThis 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.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Royzen

Apr 16, 2022

An enjoyable feel good movie about dreams and the goal of reaching them. The actor playing nate plays really well. The best acting I've seen by Lisa kudrow

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

benjanzen

May 13, 2022

Better 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’dBetter 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.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Markini

Apr 13, 2022

Sorry but the movie is just bad. I appreciate the LGBTQ representation in a Disney movie, even if it was subtle. Even Lisa Kudrow gives a performance where you can tell she doesn't care.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

MetacriticOnur

Apr 4, 2022

bad
[ bad ]

adjective, worse, worst;(Slang) bad·der, bad·dest for 36.
not good in any manner or degree.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

Mauro_Lanari

May 16, 2022

(Mauro Lanari)
Built to cast Rueby Wood as the new Disney Channel genderfluid star, nothing is better than Nate.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

AnimationIsMe

Apr 2, 2022

I had to sit through it with my little tiny 5 year old cousins and let’s just say it was not fun. Not only does it feel like nothing but it brought nothing. Boring.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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