Better Man (2024) Review

The story of Robbie Williams, his childhood, rise of fame with boyband Take That and branching out on a solo career while fighting many demons.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We are taken on the journey of a young Robert in Stoke who dreams of nothing more than being famous. He loves performing with his father Peter, especially to the Rat Pack and in particular Frank Sinatra. Doted on by his Nan Betty who does nothing more than build him up constantly when he is knocked down by those around him.

Let’s approach the CGI chimp that is Robbie, well quite frankly it only needs to be mentioned once because you totally forget that the main character we are following is a monkey. I know I was as surprised as you will be reading this, in all honesty I did not actually plan on going to see the film. For two reasons, I am not a big Robbie Williams fan and the monkey.

However, let’s thank the lack of Boxing Day releases I decided to go to the cinema and watch Better Man. I am really pleased I did as it certainly shakes up the some what stale music biopic we have been used to seeing over the past few years in particular. Maybe we should actually have more CGI monkey’s, although I am now at the point of wondering how many more times they can make me emotional.

The interesting take on Robbie this way a little nod to the fact that he was the cheeky one in Take That? We also get his commentating on different aspects and stages which was actually quite a nice way to do it. The madness of the boyband and poking fun at the people he didn’t get on with all that well.

Mixed in with the music from his solo career and Take That, with some truly brilliant musical numbers with them. I sersiously wasn’t expecting any of this at all. It was a wonderful portrait of a troubled singer who openly admits that he is not the most talented but he goes all in. If anything this has made me respect him more, given the fact he as only 15 years old and not really protected heading into that spotlight. It’s quite a miracle that he managed to come through the substance and alcohol abuse.

It did make me think about some of the songs that I have enjoyed over the years though and how good Come Undone is, then waiting until 9pm at night to see the uncit version of Rock DJ on the music channels. I can only imagine how much Williams fans will love this film!

Robbie himself and Jonno Davies take on the role of Robbie Williams, with Cater J. Murphy being the young version. Alison Steadman was a scene stealer as his Nan Betty, given some fantastic scenes and moments to motivate her grandson. Steve Pemberton was impressive as his father Peter.

Basically the moral of this film is to just watch it and leave any reservations at the door, as like me you will be pleasantly surprised.