By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"Better Man," from director/screenwriter
Michael Gracey ("The Greatest Showman" and "Rocketman"), isn't your typical biographical musical.
It is a visually inviting journey into the chaotic life of British pop singer
Robbie Williams, portrayed as an anthropomorphic chimpanzee (a nod to Williams' self-perception of being "less evolved").
Using motion capture technology--like Andy Serkis in "The Planet of the Apes" series.
Jonno Davies (TV's "Hunters") embodies Williams' emotional turmoil, with the monkey imagery visible only to Williams, symbolizing his inner struggles.
The clever gimmick mostly succeeds, thanks to the sharp script by Gracey, co-writers Oliver Cole ("It's a Date") and Simon Gleeson (TV's "Rake").
The movie opens in 1980s Stoke-on-Trent (Staffordshire, England), where young Robbie faces humiliation and finds solace from his mother Janet (Kate Mulvany, TV's "Hunters") and Grandmother Betty (Alison Steadman, TV's "Inside No. 9").
Robbie's father Peter (Steve Pemberton, "Alma's Not Normal") is a singer who dreams of stardom. He idolizes legends like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
Watching his father sing ignites Robbie’s own passion for pursuing a career in show business.
After his parents' split, Robbie clings to his father's memory while dreaming of stardom. He eventually joins the boy band Take That. They start out from playing humble gigs to achieving skyrocketing fame. But with success comes self-doubt and creative clashes with his band mates.
Despite initial setbacks, Robbie meets and falls for Nicole Appleton (Raechelle Banno, "100% Wolf: Book of Hath"), who is a member of the pop group All Saints.
Although his solo career begins to take off, Robbie can't escape all his inner demons, symbolized by haunting hallucinations.
A turning point comes at a massive concert, where he confronts his past and fears in a cathartic, violent struggle with his younger selves. This moment sparks a journey of self-recovery: rehab, reconciliation with family, and a vow to be a "Better Man."
The film's pace may falter at times, but in the second half, it hits the right emotional notes, blending music, dance—including a touching duet between Robbie and Nicole—and themes of trauma and redemption.
The heart of "Better Man" lies in Robbie's transformation. In a stirring finale, Robbie reaffirms his purpose to inspire, entertain, and heal.
Although "Better Man" boldly sets itself apart, despite its ambitious vision, it never quite fully reaches the heights it strives for.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"BETTER MAN"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
