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West Side Story

Better Nate than Ever: Find Your Light

April 1, 2022 by Steve Norton

It?s hard to find words to describe the ray of sunshine that is?Better Nate than Ever.?

Better Nate than Ever tells the story of Nate Foster (Reuby Wood), an unpopular but spunky 13-year-old theatre student in Pittsburgh who dreams of becoming a Broadway star. When an open audition for the role of his dreams takes place in New York, Nate and his best friend Libby (Aria Brookes) sneak out so that Nate can fight for what he believes is his future. However, after a chance encounter with Nate?s estranged Aunt Heidi (Lisa Kudrow) upends their plans, Nate and Libby must work together in order to make their dreams a reality.

Telling the story of one young man?s dreams of becoming a Broadway star, Better Nate than Ever is an utter delight from start to finish. Directed by Tim Federle (who also wrote the novel upon which the film is based), Nate is sharp, fantastical and fun children?s fare. There is such an enthusiasm and likeability about this film that you cannot help will be drawn in to its world. Musical sequences take on the appearance of a Broadway stage but never distract from the story that?s going on around them. This is not a film where songs burst forth from the cast as they walk down the street but rather are embedded within the life of struggling actors trying to make it big.

After the misfire that was?Dear Evan Hanson?last year (and arguably Netflix?s?Prom),?Better Nate than Ever?is a return to form for onscreen musicals. These examples prove how important (and divisive) casting a film of this nature can be. However,?Nate?manages to hit the right notes in this area, especially in young lead Reuby Wood, who sparkles as the indomitable Nate himself. Wood brings an energy and life to the role that makes him undeniably likeable. His chemistry with onscreen bestie Libby (Aria Brookes) works well as the two enjoy some impressive banter, considering their age.?

Although it is also fair to say Disney unabashedly uses Nate as an opportunity to show off their IP as use of musicals like Frozen and West Side Story all fall neatly under the Disney umbrella. In fact, there?s even a certain irony about the fact that they are making a musical about Lilo and Stitch within the film, as its one of the few properties that Disney has not turned into a live-action remake or Broadway play. (However, does it make me a bad person that I kind of want to see the Stitch musical now?)

At its heart, this is a film that invites us to follow our dreams. Whether you are young like Nate or older and more established like his aunt, Nate wants to encourage you to take those risks to ?find your light?. Although Nate?s story takes off very quickly, the film also makes it clear that it is difficult to achieve your goals. There is a struggle involved but the film does not want you to give up in the midst of that struggle. (In this way, it?s also worth noting that this film also carries with it a message of love and support of the LGBTQ community as well.) 

Much more than this though, this is also a film but what it means to find your life. Whereas Nate knows instantly what he wants to accomplish, Libby is unsure of her future. She has no interest in being a star yet she loves to support those that can be. However, she still does not know who she is or what she wants to be. As her journey unfolds, Libby begins to understand her role in Nate?s inevitable stardom. In this way, the film reminds the viewer to push forward as there is a place for us all. 

While the title Better Nate than Ever may seem a bit outlandish or self-serving, it is also hard to disagree that it?s also accurate. Fueled with a deep affection for Broadway and musical theater, Nate absolutely pops on screen. Most importantly though, it absolutely makes you want to go and find your light as well.

Better Nate than Ever is available on Disney+ on Friday, April 1st, 2022.

April 1, 2022 by Steve Norton Filed Under: Disney+, Featured, Film, Reviews Tagged With: Aria Brookes, Better Nate than Ever, Dear Evan Hanson, Disney, Disney+, Frozen, LGBTQ+, Lilo and Stitch, lisa kudrow, Reuby Wood, Tim Federle, West Side Story

8.10 Retelling a WEST SIDE STORY + Christmas Wishes!

December 19, 2021 by Steve Norton

It’s always a challenge to bring a classic story back to life. However, with his new version of WEST SIDE STORY, Steven Spielberg seems to have a hit on his hands with critics. But why is this film still relevant today? This week, Wade Bearden (@WadeHance) returns to talk about updating a legend, and hope for the ‘bad guys’. PLUS, Wade and Steve offer up their ‘Christmas Wishes’ for 2022!

You can watch the episode on YouTube and stream on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify, iHeart Radio or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can downoad the ep on Apple Podcasts!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ?Fishing for More? ? some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

8.10-West-Side-StoryDownload

December 19, 2021 by Steve Norton Filed Under: Featured, Film, Podcast Tagged With: Ansel Elgort, Christmas, Steven Spielberg, West Side Story

West Side Story: Spielberg’s Update Dances into our Hearts

December 9, 2021 by Shelley McVea

When I heard that a new West Side Story was due to premiere, I was sceptical. Did I really want to see a remake of one of my favourite movies? When I heard that Steven Spielberg was directing, and that he had wanted to make this movie for over 30 years, I was intrigued. When 91 year old Stephen Sondheim died in late November, seeing this new iteration became a necessity. When I heard that a new role had been written into the movie for 89-year-old Rita Moreno, seeing the movie became a happy obligation.

I was not disappointed. 

Sixty years after the original movie walked away with 10 Oscars, Spielberg?s new version soars to even greater heights ? singing and dancing its way into our hearts. All of the songs are there; sung by new magnificent voices. The star-crossed lovers still pine for each other. The Jets and the Sharks still battle for their piece of the American dream. Everything beloved from 1961 is intact. 

What West Side Story 2021 adds is context, depth and a magnificent New York city backdrop. The movie starts in black and slowly expands to light, showing derelict, crumbling buildings. ?Dump?. ?Slum Clearance?. It?s the late 50?s and what has been the fought over home turf to both the Irish and Polish Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks (now played by Latinx actors) will become the beautiful Lincoln Centre and the home for the gentrified rich. It?s an old story that continues to the present. The gang boys and girls aren?t just fighting each other; they?re fighting for a future that has no place for them. 

If we ever wondered why Tony no longer fights with the Jets, now we know. He has spent time in prison for almost killing a boy and he does not want to become that hate-filled person again.  The neighbourhood store owner, Doc is now replaced by his widow, Valentina. She is played by the magnificent Rita Moreno. She is the one steady adult in the film ? linking both gangs and acting as their conscience. And she can still sing. I thought I would get through this movie without a tear but her rendition of a WSS favourite song (always sung by another character) defeated me. Is it possible for an actor to get the same Oscar for another role in the same movie ? 60 years later?

West Side Story is known for its amazing songs and fabulous dancing. This movie does not disappoint. Here, however, New York City and its streets and stores are highlighted, along with the colourful explosion of the dancers? movements and costumes. 

All the actors should also be congratulated. Tony (Ansel Elgort) and Maria (newcomer Rachel Zegler) are perfect for the Romeo and Juliet leads. They?re both beautiful, have wonderful singing voices, and are able to bring both gravitas and lightness to the roles. Canadian David Alvarez is tough and focused as Bernardo (Shark leader) and is also a wondrous singer and dancer. My favourite character, surprisingly, was Riff (Mike Faist), the leader of the Jets. Faist brings a quirky vulnerability to the role ? the kid with no family, whose future can only be assured if he enacts the toughness that will eventually kill him.

So head to the theatre this week. West Side Story 2021 will not disappoint you. If you don?t know the story, it will be a joyous, heart-rending experience. And if you do know the story, it will be a joyous, heart-rending experience. 

West Side Story opens in theatres on Friday, December 10th, 2021.  

December 9, 2021 by Shelley McVea Filed Under: Featured, Film, Premieres, Reviews Tagged With: Ansel Elgort, Disney, Jets, Mike Faist, New York City, Rachel Zegler, Rita Moreno, sharks, Steven Spielberg, West Side Story

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