yes, i saw that yesterday and I am still hoping that there will be a push with some famous Talk Show with Rob as guest. I have me doubts though that the USA is getting Rob. It is silent around team Rob in the moment.

IMDB rating is growing.

7.3 now (was 7.0 last week)

 

https://m.imdb.com/title/tt14260836/

Travelling at the moment so will do proper review when I get back. Really interesting movie start to finish. Took me about 30 mins to get my head outside of the monkey character especially when he was portrayed as a child..

I have noticed this about the US public as opposed to other nations. They seem to take pride in being the only nation not to have accepted something/one, and almost dismiss as if to say if it didn't happen then it won't happen now.

 

I think too much empthasis is placed on if you are successful in America, but the reality is their charts are the least diverse or fast moving in the world, stale almost. The songs which are successful also have to be mainly bland to fit across US radio.

 

The thing I don't like is the amount of people in the US diminishing his and others achievements simply because they never "broke" or "made it" in the States. People saying the music or performance isn't good enough, which isn't true and is a very simplistic outlook negating many factors and circumstances for foreign artists at that time.

 

Hopefully Robbie will do what he has always done and storm elsewhere providing numbers which show he doesn't need North America as much. The film hasn't opened in Latin/South America yet or the Middle East/Asia unless I am mistaken.

 

The reason I asked is because I noticed Paramount had gone silent on their socials and were back pushing Sonic 3 so it made me wonder. If it is playing in only 6 theatres, what would be a success?

Edited December 28, 2024Dec 28 by nirvanamusic

Thank you for these very profound words, Nirvana. I had not expected the movie to be a success in North America, but then hope dies last and with the director having a great name and with the good reviews and pre-screens I thought maybe I could be wrong.

What I first noticed was the silence all of a sudden after boxing day. If this is how fast they give up with Paramount then it is more than sorry but the way they do business. I hope Rob knew the risks and seeing him so happy doing promotion hope that he has been realistic about the expectations. Are there any numbers in yet from other places?

Alex, any sign hoe the movie is doing elsewhere or is it too early?

Robbie's latest instagram post states he is about to do some North American promotion so that will be good. Just to add another thing about US culture, the only reason for musicians to want to do well in the US is to become more famous and wealthy. Neither of which are true indicators of artistic merit.

 

I just can't believe how entitled and ignorant a lot of the US general public are being about Robbie and others simply for not being famous in their country. There are thousands of Bollywood actors/actresses I've never heard of, same with K-Pop etc but I wouldn't dismiss their talents.

 

I have heard some American artists like Bon Jovi say how in America they make you the biggest thing then discard and mock you, holding musicians to a specific place and time of relevance, whereas in Europe and overseas they respect your whole career and output more, longevitiy.

Edited December 28, 2024Dec 28 by nirvanamusic

It'a not launched yet as wide release.

So let's check it in the mid of January.

 

In Moscow there are around 30 screenings per day though.

On our main source it's 7.4 rating and a few rather good reviews from local media.

IMDB rating is growing again.

7.4 now (was 7.3 this morning)

 

https://m.imdb.com/title/tt14260836/

IMDB rating is growing!

7.5 now (was 7.4 yesterday)

 

https://m.imdb.com/title/tt14260836/

Better Man review – Robbie Williams monkeys around in a raw and emotional biopic

Replacing Williams with a CGI ape in an otherwise human cast pays off enormously in Michael Gracey’s warts-and-all tale of the pop phenomenon

 

Wendy Ide

Sat 28 Dec 2024 10.00 EST

 

It was a throwaway comment: Robbie Williams, Take That’s cheeky chappie-turned-tabloid fodder solo phenomenon, described himself as a performing monkey, prancing and preening in front of the cameras and seeking the approval of the audience (or at least a banana or two). But for director Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), it was the key to unlocking Williams’s conflicted relationship with his celebrity and his compulsion to perform. In a creative gamble to rival Piece by Piece director Morgan Neville’s decision to tell the Pharell Williams story with Lego animation recently, Gracey replaces Williams in this warts-and-all biopic with a CGI chimpanzee in an otherwise human cast. It’s a gamble that not only pays off – it’s arguably the main reason the film works as well as it does.

 

Narrated by Williams (Jonno Davies delivers a motion-captured performance as Robbie the Monkey) in a tone that strikes a precarious balance between wry self-deprecation and maudlin self-pity, the story itself is pretty generic stuff: a by-the-numbers trawl through the early hardship of Williams’s working-class childhood in Stoke-on-Trent, father-son tensions and industrial-level substance-abuse issues. The film’s emotional beats – Williams’s doomed relationship with All Saints singer Nicole Appleton; the death of Robbie’s beloved nan – are hammered home with piledriver subtlety. But the capering ape device transforms what would otherwise be a rote addition to the rock biopic canon, infusing the story with humour, mischief and a sparky, unpredictable anarchy. Yes, Williams clearly takes himself pretty seriously and has a weakness for therapy-speak platitudes. But he also invites us to see him as a surly adolescent chimp in a shell suit. You have to love him for that.

 

Better Man is a notable step up for Gracey. The synthetic, rather soulless panache of The Greatest Showman demonstrated his skills as a slick visual stylist, but here he directs from the heart, tapping into the rawness and vulnerability beneath the CGI monkey suit.

 

4/5

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardia...motional-biopic

I do like the fact how many British (not Robbie's fans) really fight for him and his name against Americans on Twitter (and seems TikTok - haven't this).

 

"Am I still your son?" (с)

 

https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news...sparks-34386436

 

@1873305427938771316

‘Better Man’ – Review

 

December 28, 2024

Samuel Hames

 

Better Man is a cinematic spectacle that redefines the musical biopic genre, offering an extraordinary journey into the life of one of pop music’s most iconic bad boys, Robbie Williams. Directed by the visionary Michael Gracey, this film combines stunning CGI, a unique narrative approach, and a catalog of Williams’ greatest hits to create a mesmerizing, high-octane experience that’s as heartfelt as it is theatrical.

 

The true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams.

 

From the moment the film begins, it’s clear that Better Man is no ordinary biography. In a bold artistic choice, Williams’ story is told through the eyes of a CGI chimpanzee, symbolizing his self-perception as an outsider, a creature both wild and vulnerable. This unexpected twist instantly draws viewers into a world where reality and fantasy intertwine, transforming the film into a musical fantasia that’s both poignant and utterly captivating. Within minutes, the novelty of the chimpanzee protagonist fades, leaving audiences fully immersed in the emotional and tumultuous ride that is Williams’ life.

 

The narrative spans Williams’ impoverished childhood, his meteoric rise to fame as a member of Take That, and his evolution into a solo artist who dominated the early 2000s. Gracey’s direction masterfully balances the highs of superstardom with the crushing lows of depression and isolation that Williams faced. This emotional depth is complemented by jaw-dropping visuals, making Better Man as visually striking as it is emotionally resonant.

 

Two standout sequences showcase the film’s commitment to grandeur. The ‘Regent Street’ set piece is an explosion of color and energy, blending elaborate choreography with Williams’ infectious charisma to create a scene that’s pure joy to watch. Equally dazzling is the recreation of Williams’ legendary Knebworth performance, a show-stopping finale that captures the electrifying power of live music and the emotional connection between Williams and his fans, and the menta anguish and battle with his darker shadow is thrown onto the screen in these moments, and it makes for a heart palpidating watch. These moments not only highlight the scale of the production but also underscore the raw talent and resilience that define Williams’ career.

 

Williams’ music serves as the heartbeat of the film, with his greatest hits seamlessly woven into the narrative. Whether it’s the anthemic “Angels” or the rebellious “Rock DJ,” each song enhances the storytelling, creating a soundtrack that’s as dynamic and unforgettable as the man himself. The combination of these iconic tracks with Gracey’s visionary direction results in a film that’s as much a celebration of Williams’ artistry as it is a deeply personal exploration of his life.

 

Better Man is a rollercoaster of emotions, oscillating between moments of wild, zany humor and profound introspection. It’s a film that invites viewers to laugh, cry, and marvel at the spectacle, all while reflecting on the universal themes of self-acceptance and the pursuit of happiness. By the end of the film, audiences will feel as though they’ve experienced Williams’ journey alongside him, leaving the theater with a newfound appreciation for the man behind the music.

 

Better Man is a must-see cinematic experience. It’s daring, dazzling, and deeply moving—a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of one of pop music’s most enigmatic figures. Prepare to be swept off your feet by this unforgettable ride. Better Man isn’t just a movie; it’s an event.

 

https://spicypulp.com/2024/12/28/better-man-review/

35th nomination.

 

Utah Film Critics Association (UFCA) Awards

 

Best Visual Effects (Peter Stubbs, Keith Herft, Luke Millar)

 

https://utahfilmcritics.com/2024/12/21/utah...wards-nominees/

 

http://utahfilmcritics.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ufca_retina.png

36th nomination.

 

Austin Film Critics Association (AFCA) Awards

 

Best Voice Acting/Animated/Digital Performance

 

Kevin Durand, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Lupita Nyong’o, The Wild Robot

Amy Poehler, Inside Out 2

Sarah Snook, Memoir of a Snail

Robbie Williams/Jonno Davies, Better Man

 

https://austinfilmcritics.org/2024/12/27/20...rd-nominations/

 

29.12.24 update

 

Awards Nominations (36) for Better Man by far:

 

Hollywood Music In Media Awards (HMMA) 2024

- 20.11

- Best Original Song - Feature Film (Robbie Williams - Forbidden Road)

- Best Music Themed Film, Biopic or Musical (Paul Currie, Michael Gracey, Craig McMahon, Coco Xiaolu, MaJules Daly)

 

Rolling Stone UK Awards 2024

- 28.11

- The Film Award (Better Man) -

Winner

 

Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Awards (WAFCA) 2024

- 08.12

- Best Motion Capture (Jonno Davies)

 

Indiana Film Journalists Association (IFJA) Awards 2024

- 16.12

- Best Vocal/Motion Capture Performance (Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies)

- Best Stunt/Movement Choreography (Slavisa Ivanovic, Ashey Wallen, Nicholas Daines, Spencer Susser, Tim Wong)

- Best Special Effects (Luke Millar, Scott MacIntyre)

- Original Vision Award

 

Golden Globes 2025

- 05.01

- Best Original Song (Robbie Williams - Forbidden Road)

 

Utah Film Critics Association (UFCA) Awards

- 06.01

- Best Visual Effects

 

Austin Film Critics Association (AFCA) Awards

- 06.01

- Best Voice Acting/Animated/Digital Performance (Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies)

 

Critics Choice Awards 2025

- 12.01

- Best Visual Effects (Luke Millar, David Clayton, Keith Herft, Peter Stubbs)

 

The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards 2025

- 07.02

- Best Film

- Best Direction in Film (Michael Gracey)

- Best Screenplay in Film (Michael Gracey, Oliver Cole, Simon Gleeson)

- Best Lead Actor in Film (Jonno Davies)

- Best Supporting Actress in Film

- Best Supporting Actor in Film

- Best Cinematography in Film

- Best Sound in Film

- Best Original Score in Film

- Best Soundtrack

- Best Original Song (Robbie Williams - Forbidden Road)

- Best Visual Effects or Animation

- Best Editing in Film presented by Spectrum Films

- Best Production Design in Film

- Best Costume Design in Film

- Best Casting in Film

 

The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) International Awards 2025

- 07.02

- Best Film

- Best Lead Actor in Film (Jonno Davies)

- Best Supporting Actress in Film (Alison Steadman)

- Best Supporting Actor in Film (Damon Herriman)

- Best Direction in Film (Michael Gracey)

- Best Screenplay in Film (Michael Gracey, Oliver Cole, Simon Gleeson)

 

Annie Awards 2025

- 08.02

- Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Live Action Production (Shaun Freeman, Luisma Lavin Peredo, Carlos Lin, Seoungseok Charlie Kim, Kaori Miyazawa)

 

Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL) Award 2025

- 12.02

- Outstanding Original Song for a Comedy or Musical Visual Media Production (Robbie Williams - Forbidden Road)

 

30 minutes interview with an actor who played Howard Donald in the movie - Liam Head

 

 

Finally seen it.

 

Definitely going to need to see it again to take it all in.

 

My take: it’s not just the monkey, the whole film is askew of reality.

It’s such an odd thing to see some details absolutely spot on among so many that are -deliberately, I am sure - off.

 

It didn’t make me cry, but it has definitely made me think.

That monkey was doing so much coke at some point.. I agree, it is definitely a movie to rewatch since there are so many references that just fly over your head. The pacing was quite fast for me. The Let me entertain you sequence was great. So were Angels and Rock DJ. I noticed that My Way started with Robbie's voice but it then changed to Adam. I would have loved it if it was Robbie's voice all the way though. Overall thematically a really tough movie to watch. I really liked the movie. I'm not sure how it will resonate with average movie watchers.