The Robbie Williams biopic,Better Man, has received great reviews thanks to several elements of the film that prove it worth watching.Better Man’s cast of characterscenters around the life of Robbie Williams, one of the biggest British pop stars of all time. Despite never truly breaking into the same level of fame in North America, thetrue story of Robbie Williams' life inBetter Manis proving to resonate with critics across the globe.
As theshowtimes forBetter Manbegin to fill up, reviews for the film are being compiled. At the time of writing,Better Mansits at a 90% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the audience score sporting an incredibly positive 98% also. These strong reviews rankBetter Manas one of thebest music biopic moviesin recent years, begging the question of why it is being so well-received by critics. From its entertaining central star to the way it was filmed and an unmissable CGI element that could have been controversial,Better Mansimply works for a variety of reasons.
10Better Man’s CGI Ape Works Beyond All Doubts
The Glaring Gimmick Of Better Man Is Not A Gimmick At All
UponBetter Man’s announcement and the first trailer for the film, the most-discussed aspect was its decision to portray Robbie Williams as a CGI ape. This could have been incredibly controversial and made the film fall completely flat, but instead proved the complete opposite. Many reviews forBetter Manpraise the decision to utilize a CGI ape as Williams' stand-in, withThe Scotsmanstating: “What could have been a tedious gimmick… instead enlivens a sub-genre…”
Many reviews claim thatBetter Manwould actively not work as well if the ape decision was not made.The Observer, for example, insists thatBetter Man’s"ape device transforms what would otherwise be a rote addition to the rock biopic canon.“Others, likeFilm Threat, insist that the ape depiction never becomes tiresome, while the likes ofCommon Sense Mediaoutline the deeper, thematic reasoning for the choice, typifying why Williams' ape counterpart proved integral toBetter Man’s positive reviews:
“The use of a monkey as a stand-in for Williams is an unsubtle but effective metaphor: A man who feels different to everyone else is treated as a performing monkey by the industry.”
Overall, this decision proved to be an inspired one that catapultedBetter Manbeyond what it could have been.
9Better Man Is Stylistic & Has Lots Of Spectacle
The Musical Flair Of Better Man Is Apparent
What makesBetter Maneven better-reviewed, and even makes the aforementioned ape point stronger, is that the film transcends its central character to be stylistic and spectacle-driven in its own right.Metrostates that"For sheer originality, spectacle, and cheek, it’s hard to quibble much with Better Man.“Another review, this time fromThe Gate, criticizesBetter Man’s storytelling, but states that the film is"grander in vision and spectacle.”
Evidently,Better Man’s sense of style and spectacle is resonating with many critics. Be it the way the film is shot in general scenes or the grandiose musical sequences, a lot of the reviews point out thatBetter Manhas a distinct visual flair that sets it apart from others of its ilk.Paste Magazinesums this up, stating thatBetter Man’s"grand musical theater sequence to unapologetic cabaret-style grandiosity"elevates the film’s exploration of Williams' life, taking it from quotidian to something much more cinematic.
8Better Man Overcomes Clichéd Biopic Conventions
Other Biopics Could Use Better Man’s Uniqueness
As a biopic,Better Manhas received some criticism for being clichéd in its presentation. However, even in these somewhat damning reviews, it is often mentioned that its originality and uniqueness make the clichéd elements more bearable.The Listinsists thatBetter Manstands out in the crowd of biopics, whileCulture Mixstates the ape element is"a unique choice in an otherwise conventional but entertaining film.“Finally,Flickering MythdescribesBetter Manas"an invigorating biopic; a shot of creativity to the most overplayed, clichéd genre.”
7Better Man Depicts Robbie Williams' Life Well
Williams Has Lived A Life & A Story Worth Telling
Regarding Robbie Williams' story inBetter Man, this is also an aspect praised by critics. The review byWe Live Entertainmenthighlights the reality that many in North America may not know who Williams is, but admits that"spending a good couple of hours learning all about his life… proves incredibly worthwhile.“Geek Vibes Nation’s review is similar, describing the film as a"cracking celebration of one of British pop music’s greatest showmen.”
6Better Man Works For Robbie Williams Fans & Non-Fans Alike
Those Unfamiliar With Williams Will Find Just As Much To Enjoy As Diehard Fans
Stemming from this point,Better Manworks not only as a depiction of Williams' life but as a way to induct unfamiliar audiences into his world. The aforementionedWe Live Entertainmentreview highlights this, as doesGeek Vibes Nation,insistingBetter Manis"a compelling introduction to him for unfamiliar (read: North American) audiences.“The Weekend Warriorfurthers this, stating thatBetter Manprovides many reasons to continue loving Robbie Williams for those already describing themselves as fans of the artist or music biopics in general.
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Sunshine State Cineplexproves even more thatBetter Man’s positive reviews come from its ease in folding unfamiliar viewers into Williams' story:“While Robbie Williams may not be someone you’ve listened to, his story is undeniably compelling.“One final piece of evidence thatBetter Manworks for fans and non-fans simultaneously comes fromThe Saturday Evening Post, with this review claiming that"The dumb idea works surprisingly well. Even those unfamiliar with Williams’s music will have a good time…”
5Better Man Is Raw & Emotional
Williams' Irreverent Humor Does Not Overshadow Better Man’s Hard-Hitting Moments
For those unfamiliar with Robbie Williams,Better Man’s overt depiction of his crass, crude, cheeky personality may come as a surprise. This could easily have derailed the story where critics are concerned, butBetter Man’s equal attention to the more emotional, raw moments of Williams' life has proven to be a big factor in the film’s positive reviews.Movies and Munchies' review highlights the film’s down-to-earth, quieter moments, whileTheWrapclaims"the film’s heaviest scenes sneak up on you and pack a wallop.”
CGMagazinebuilds on this, while also proving the point thatBetter Man’s ability to overcome the clichéd trappings of biopics has contributed to its positive reviews:“Even as Better Man goes through the same… formula as all biopics, it’s the rawest depiction of these events I’ve seen in a while.“Above all other critic reviews,ScullyVisionperhaps epitomizesBetter Man’s emotional impact most succinctly by stating"I am unashamed to admit that the final scene in the CGI monkey Robbie Williams movie musical made me cry.”
4Better Man Has A Great Soundtrack
A Music Biopic Gets Nowhere Without Its, Well, Music
Most music biopics are expected to have good music, butBetter Man’s unfamiliarity with North American audiences only goes to show how impressive Robbie Williams' life soundtrack truly is. The fact that the film can overcome ignorance and be lauded for its musical moments showcases how wellBetter Mandepicts Williams' 30-year soundtrack, withMashablesupporting this by claiming the story is"rich in vibrant emotion"with"body-rocking musical numbers.”Subculture Entertainmentreinforces this, describingBetter Manas“a visual masterpiece with a killer soundtrack to boot.”
3Better Man Has Exceptional Musical Numbers
How Better Man Conveys Its Soundtrack Is Just As Impressive
Beyond the music itself,Better Man’s reviews also prove how well the film integrates Williams' songs into compelling, stylish, big musical numbers. One sequence in particular has received multiple callouts inBetter Man’s reviews, which centers around one of Williams' most popular songs, “Rock DJ.“The Curbdescribes the “Rock DJ” sequence as incredible, insisting that it is worth the price of admission on its own merits.JimSchembrisupports this, claiming that this sequence turns the entire film:“Then we get to the Rock DJ number, and the film upshifts dramatically.”
Mama’s GeekydescribesBetter Manas “an absolute spectacle of a movie, in the best way, with both incredible musical numbers and truly emotional moments,“combining a few different elements that have contributed toBetter Man’s positive reviews. Other reviews mention the film’s cabaret-like grandiosity.The Playlisteven goes as far as describingBetter Man’s musical numbers as masterful, highlighting how big a factor they are in the film’s overall positive reviews.
2Michael Gracey Was A Great Directorial Choice For Better Man
The Director Of The Greatest Showman Puts On Another Great Show
Michael Gracey, known for directingThe Greatest Showman, has been somewhat of a divisive figure since the 2017 film was released. Critics were divided on the film, and whileThe Greatest Showmanhas excellent songs, many were unsure about the film’s overall direction. Regardless, Michael Gracey proves to be one of the strongest aspects ofBetter Man, with his assured direction and eye for musical numbers contributing to the biopic’s fantastic reviews.
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The review byDiscussing Filmsomewhat alludes to Gracey’s past as a director, stating that"Michael Gracey defies all expectations, delivering an incredibly inspired and surprisingly emotional film.” Empire Magazineechoes these sentiments, insisting that"Michael Gracey pulls off the biggest cinematic surprise of the year.“Finally,Time Outwas nothing but positive aboutBetter Manand its direction, claiming that"director Michael Gracey has created a fun, bombastic, brilliantly choreographed and totally enthralling film.”
1It’s Easy To Let Better Man Entertain You
The Words To One Of Williams' Biggest Songs Easily Describe Better Men
While each of these elements explored contributes toBetter Man’s positive reviews, what matters most of all links to the wider film and music industries: entertainment. These elements have been found in other films, but not always are they presented with a sense of fun and sheer enjoyment. Thankfully,Better Manproves to be one thing above all else, entertaining.
One of Robbie Williams' best-selling singles of all time is a song titled"Let Me Entertain You.“As it turns out,Better Mantakes a leaf out of this book and is easy to please.The Australianstates that"he [Williams] is here to entertain you, and this movie does the same,“withFilm AuthorityreinforcingBetter Manas a film that undeniably entertains. As a means of summing up one ofBetter Man’s biggest elements,Roger Ebertimplores audiences to embrace Williams' brash, on-the-nose personality:“C’mon. Let him entertain you.”
Better Man
Cast
Directed by Michael Gracey, Better Man explores the life and career of singer Robbie Williams through his own eyes.
