Better Man blew me away when I saw it on Christmas. It's full of energy, has funny moments, emotional moments, stunning editing and cinematography and some great musical numbers too. Even if not EVERYTHING worked for me, I still wanted to see it again when it ended. It made my Top 5 of 2024! Go see it!
I didn't know Robbie Williams untill I saw his docu-series on Netflix. This film only confirmed my feeling that he is a very misunderstood guy by folks who only see the surface. He's actually a very sweet, sensitive, goofy, & fun-loving person who used to cover up his low self-esteem, clinical depression & anxiety with bravado & self medication. He's now 50 & a lovely gentleman. This film is as honest a portrayal of a star as you will ever see. He lays his soul bare & always has in his songs. Strong, which I wish was in this movie, says "And you know that my life's a mess... I confess... You think that I'm strong - you're wrong." Or in Feel, which Little chimp Robert sings, "Come on, hold my hand. I want to contact the living. Don't think I understand this role I've been given... My head speaks a language I don't understand" referring to his mental illness. Search YT for his iconic Knebworth concerts (depicted in the film), especially Me & My Monkey, which is about his drug addiction. I gusrantee you've never seen a performance like that. He's a fascinating person & the movie totally rocks!
I'm also one of those clueless American dudes that didn't really know who Robbie Williams was, but this film surprised me in the best way possible. Way more entertaining, bombastic, and emotional than I was expecting. 2025 ain't starting too badly...Great review, AB!
The entire Knebworth concert is awesome! I found hundreds of great vids on YT of him after loving this film & Knebworth "Me & My Monkey" is the absolute best!
Robbie has always fascinated me as an American. He's definitely the biggest star in pop history to never cross over to the states. I couldn't name a single song of his. It's kinda strange seeing how massively popular he is in the U.K. It's like looking into a different dimension where they have different pop songs and stars than our own. I don't remember there ever being an attempt to market him to the U.S.
Take That are probably the British equivalent to The Backstreet Boys. Massive around the world apart from a few select countries. Take That never "cracked" the US in the same way BSB never "cracked" the UK. People have heard of them now if course but go back 20-25 years and ask a random of a street in the UK if they'd heard of The Backstreet Boys, the answer would likely be no.
He was pushed by his label around 2000 & the CD released here was great, all the best from his first 2 U.K. albums - it sold 600,000 & went Gold. But none of the 3 singles cracked the Top 40, altho a couple were popular on MTV (Millineum & Rock DJ). He was on Leno & Kilborne, which you can see on YT; I think Letterman, too, but it's not available. He was living in L.A. at the time to escape the European paparazzi which was making his life hell. He loved being anonymous here so much that he stopped promotion, which peed off his label & management. He ended up living here for 20 yrs & married an American actress. His compelling 4-part Netflix series is how I came to know him.
It's often bean noted that American boy-bands were selected on the basis of their ability, whereas British ones were picked for looks and personality. The singing is way more professional in the US groups (Backstreet Boys, NSync) but the 'story', 'character' and distinctive 'image' are more prevalent in the UK versions (thanks Simon Cowell, Pete Waterman, et al.) This would've made it harder to market Robbie Williams in America based on his singing alone. Not really boy-band guy myself, so not judging either way but it's funny to see how Robbie is still marketing his ‘story’ through this movie.
@@Sam-mi9wiwhat are you talking about? Backstreet Boys had a number 1 single and 16 top ten hits in the UK. Go ask the 40-something women who were tweens/teens in the era Backstreet were charting and they’ll still be able to sing you Backstreet’s Back.
One of the best movies I’ve watched in years. And I’m super proud of what Rob has become being from the same town in Stoke on Trent England. I was born about half a mile from Rob near to our local football club Port Vale. Back in the 80s I used to drink in robs mum and dads pub, the red lion Burslem. Did you know Rob and Lemmy from Motörhead lived in the same town ? Great review glad you enjoyed a bit of a Stoke hero.
The movie is a 5✩ experience, really an emotional rollercoaster. I loved the movie!!!! watched it twice already ❤️ even if you don't know who robbie is you will enjoy it! A must! Great review man! 👏🏼
Can’t say I’m a Robbie fan. He has always came across as a bit of a knob. This film got me. It was great. I loved the way the music was used and the falling in love sequence was wonderful. The CGI was flawless. You do not have to be a Dane to watch it
Biopics are no longer just your average standard film about someone. Pharrell Williams made his biopic as a LEGO movie, and Robbie Williams portrayed himself as a chimpanzee. Both Williamses use creative visual manipulation as a tool to tell their stories.
I saw it last night at an early screening. This film rocks. It was funny, heartfelt, great musical numbers, and a direction that was fresh. I didn't really think the landing was fully stuck, but this was a great film.
Honestly kudos to Robbie because it must take bravery to help put something out there which, admittedly, makes you look like an arsehole. I’ve seen people criticising the film for Robbie being unlikeable in some parts but I think it genuinely works in the films favour because it’s not sugarcoating who he was or glamorising who he was. It’s telling the truth and the truth is that he wasn’t a very nice person at times.
I loved this movie when I watched it at a film festival. Didn't know much about Robbie, but now I absolutely love his music and life story. This movie was kinda predictable, but it was a formula biopic done extremely well! Also, Rock DJ and Feel are 2 of my favourite songs right now.
What’s you’re favourite Robbie song then Austin?? Angels is probably his biggest song in the UK, but I always liked she’s the one over it. Also if you haven’t watched the original music video of Rock DJ I’d defo recommend it. I don’t know if it still has the same effect now but it was wild when I was little watching it haha
I was surprised of how good this film was. The central character was very interesting and funny. The musical parts really worked for me and I loved it. The scene that went hard was the one that’s kinda like an avengers battle.
Because Rob sees himself as a performing monkey & feels that his emotional growth was stunted at the age he became famous - 16. Thus he feels different from everyone & unevolved. The director liked this take & ran with it.
When I walked out the movie. I ran into Ethan hawke out here at amc in Tulsa ok. Everyone walked by him and didn’t even double take. I’m like y’all don’t know who this is? He went in and watched mufasa. I didn’t talk to him I thought he was gonna come right back out but he didn’t. Mad I didn’t talk to him. Crazy story huh just hawke Chillin in the middle of hallway
He was as big as other early 2000s artists like Britney and Eminem worldwide, no joke. If his peak was more late 2000s I think the Internet would've made americans aware of him. Eminem has kept his fame for longer though, Robbie fell off HARD after he got rid of his song writing partner Guy Chambers.
I've heard this film is actually pretty good but I doubt it's going to do well at the Box office. He's just not as well known in America unfortunately. I hope it does well I just don't see it happening.
I kind of laugh my ass seeing the monkey im sorry but I can't take this seriously it's look more like a parody then something that should have gotten an ACTUAL actor instead using CGI
I am a big Take That fan and first time I watched the trailer I was surprised but also kind of disappointed. I went to see it like a duty I had to perform to be up to date with ⫩ content.... and man was I wrong. I was so invested I kept forgetting he was a monkey, that's how good it is. Also, as a huge fan I can assure you this movie nails the details. Nothing is just a coincidence, every scene, every single line has a meaning with something that actually happened.
@@SamanthaJacksondid you stay for the end credits. Showed the receipts that the crazy things in the film really did happen! People that don’t know him might think parts of the film were made up for effect, for shock etc but most of it actually happened. I always thought it would hurt Robbie when Nicole married Liam and had a baby with him. I never knew she was forced to abort Robbie’s baby though. Heart breaking!
Not sure any real actor could have done Robbie justice and there would have had to be a few of them from a kid upwards. Too many mannerisms and his accent etc. I would have been nit picking. Instead the monkey just got bigger with different hair styles. You knew he wasn’t trying to impersonate Robbie so somehow it worked so well. Robbie’s narrating kept it ticking along nicely though
Like a lot of reviews have pointed out over on imdb he is very attention seeking and I personally wouldn't go out and support such a documentary because it comes off as disingenuous.
It's not a documentary, it's a fantasy. And it's the most genuine, honest portrayal of a star you will ever see. There are a lot of haters on IMDB, so I wouldn't give them any weight. Listen to people who've actually seen it. Like this reviewer!
@@SamanthaJackson Exactly. Anyone who goes into show business is seeking attention! Does the OP actually believe that the music & movie stars he/she likes is not? LOL!
Better Man blew me away when I saw it on Christmas. It's full of energy, has funny moments, emotional moments, stunning editing and cinematography and some great musical numbers too. Even if not EVERYTHING worked for me, I still wanted to see it again when it ended. It made my Top 5 of 2024! Go see it!
Yup!
I didn't know Robbie Williams untill I saw his docu-series on Netflix. This film only confirmed my feeling that he is a very misunderstood guy by folks who only see the surface. He's actually a very sweet, sensitive, goofy, & fun-loving person who used to cover up his low self-esteem, clinical depression & anxiety with bravado & self medication. He's now 50 & a lovely gentleman. This film is as honest a portrayal of a star as you will ever see. He lays his soul bare & always has in his songs. Strong, which I wish was in this movie, says "And you know that my life's a mess... I confess... You think that I'm strong - you're wrong." Or in Feel, which Little chimp Robert sings, "Come on, hold my hand. I want to contact the living. Don't think I understand this role I've been given... My head speaks a language I don't understand" referring to his mental illness. Search YT for his iconic Knebworth concerts (depicted in the film), especially Me & My Monkey, which is about his drug addiction. I gusrantee you've never seen a performance like that. He's a fascinating person & the movie totally rocks!
Robbie Williams is HUGE here in the UK, his music is great and story superb. Take That was/is a HUGE group
also in Australia too he huge here he call us home for him.
I'm also one of those clueless American dudes that didn't really know who Robbie Williams was, but this film surprised me in the best way possible. Way more entertaining, bombastic, and emotional than I was expecting. 2025 ain't starting too badly...Great review, AB!
Great and fair review. He’s a hugely loved singer and I think this movie did him justice. Love him to bits.
I'd highly recommend checking out his performance of Angels at Knebworth. Such a great concert
The entire Knebworth concert is awesome! I found hundreds of great vids on YT of him after loving this film & Knebworth "Me & My Monkey" is the absolute best!
I grew up watching that, everytime we had family or friends over you could bet that concert would be on in the background
He is also huge in Germany 🇩🇪. Fun fact: His song „Angels“ is played for last call at every tent at the Oktoberfest in Munich. Every year.
Robbie has always fascinated me as an American. He's definitely the biggest star in pop history to never cross over to the states. I couldn't name a single song of his. It's kinda strange seeing how massively popular he is in the U.K. It's like looking into a different dimension where they have different pop songs and stars than our own. I don't remember there ever being an attempt to market him to the U.S.
Take That are probably the British equivalent to The Backstreet Boys. Massive around the world apart from a few select countries.
Take That never "cracked" the US in the same way BSB never "cracked" the UK. People have heard of them now if course but go back 20-25 years and ask a random of a street in the UK if they'd heard of The Backstreet Boys, the answer would likely be no.
He was pushed by his label around 2000 & the CD released here was great, all the best from his first 2 U.K. albums - it sold 600,000 & went Gold. But none of the 3 singles cracked the Top 40, altho a couple were popular on MTV (Millineum & Rock DJ). He was on Leno & Kilborne, which you can see on YT; I think Letterman, too, but it's not available. He was living in L.A. at the time to escape the European paparazzi which was making his life hell. He loved being anonymous here so much that he stopped promotion, which peed off his label & management. He ended up living here for 20 yrs & married an American actress. His compelling 4-part Netflix series is how I came to know him.
It's often bean noted that American boy-bands were selected on the basis of their ability, whereas British ones were picked for looks and personality. The singing is way more professional in the US groups (Backstreet Boys, NSync) but the 'story', 'character' and distinctive 'image' are more prevalent in the UK versions (thanks Simon Cowell, Pete Waterman, et al.) This would've made it harder to market Robbie Williams in America based on his singing alone. Not really boy-band guy myself, so not judging either way but it's funny to see how Robbie is still marketing his ‘story’ through this movie.
@@Sam-mi9wiwhat are you talking about? Backstreet Boys had a number 1 single and 16 top ten hits in the UK. Go ask the 40-something women who were tweens/teens in the era Backstreet were charting and they’ll still be able to sing you Backstreet’s Back.
@squigglebat ..I think they were saying that boy bands etc from elsewhere didn't hit the American market with force....I'm not sure?????
I watched this movie last year and it was one of the biggest surprises of 2024 and I give it a 10/10.
One of the best movies I’ve watched in years. And I’m super proud of what Rob has become being from the same town in Stoke on Trent England.
I was born about half a mile from Rob near to our local football club Port Vale. Back in the 80s I used to drink in robs mum and dads pub, the red lion Burslem.
Did you know Rob and Lemmy from Motörhead lived in the same town ?
Great review glad you enjoyed a bit of a Stoke hero.
Proximus Caesar gave it a great review - "WHAT A WONDERFUL FILM!"
The movie is a 5✩ experience, really an emotional rollercoaster.
I loved the movie!!!! watched it twice already ❤️
even if you don't know who robbie is you will enjoy it! A must!
Great review man! 👏🏼
Check out the Rock DJ video he did. Absolutely mental
Can’t say I’m a Robbie fan. He has always came across as a bit of a knob. This film got me. It was great. I loved the way the music was used and the falling in love sequence was wonderful. The CGI was flawless. You do not have to be a Dane to watch it
Biopics are no longer just your average standard film about someone. Pharrell Williams made his biopic as a LEGO movie, and Robbie Williams portrayed himself as a chimpanzee. Both Williamses use creative visual manipulation as a tool to tell their stories.
Great review 👏
it dropped in uk in December and I don’t think it’s gonna be showing for too long so definitely gonna check it out
I saw it last night at an early screening. This film rocks. It was funny, heartfelt, great musical numbers, and a direction that was fresh. I didn't really think the landing was fully stuck, but this was a great film.
The Rock DJ sequence was mesmerizing. They just recently put that scene on TH-cam and I've been watching it on replay nonstop
Honestly kudos to Robbie because it must take bravery to help put something out there which, admittedly, makes you look like an arsehole. I’ve seen people criticising the film for Robbie being unlikeable in some parts but I think it genuinely works in the films favour because it’s not sugarcoating who he was or glamorising who he was. It’s telling the truth and the truth is that he wasn’t a very nice person at times.
I loved this movie when I watched it at a film festival. Didn't know much about Robbie, but now I absolutely love his music and life story. This movie was kinda predictable, but it was a formula biopic done extremely well! Also, Rock DJ and Feel are 2 of my favourite songs right now.
ok, ok, i'm going to see it now. i've been waiting for your review and now i'm excited. to be honest, i thought you'd hate it lol, but thankyou.
🫡🫡🫡
Have you seen it yet? I saw it last night. Want to see it again!
My favourite musical biopic since Ray, it helps I like Robbie too.
I truly enjoyed it! I didn’t know what to expect. Loved the ride!
This movie is stunning! My teenage kids and I are booked for our 4th showing 💜🙌
I saw better man boxing day and cryed love you and proud of you darling 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
Cant wait for the january tier list❤
❤️🫡
What’s you’re favourite Robbie song then Austin??
Angels is probably his biggest song in the UK, but I always liked she’s the one over it.
Also if you haven’t watched the original music video of Rock DJ I’d defo recommend it. I don’t know if it still has the same effect now but it was wild when I was little watching it haha
Come undone is amazing!
I was surprised of how good this film was. The central character was very interesting and funny. The musical parts really worked for me and I loved it. The scene that went hard was the one that’s kinda like an avengers battle.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes: Caesar realizes his true calling as an artist
So much better than I thought it would be. Seeing Den of Thieves 2 Pantera today.
Check out the song, "Strong". 🥳
It's a great song.....❤
Gotta watch this one!
Yes, after the movie, I went home & googled about him. I’ve heard of him. Full house in Calgary, Canada.
Glad to hear it’s good. Did anyone say why they filmed it this way though? (Not trolling just curious lol)
Robbie always viewed himself as "less evolved" so thought it would be an interesting angle to portray himself as an ape
Because Rob sees himself as a performing monkey & feels that his emotional growth was stunted at the age he became famous - 16. Thus he feels different from everyone & unevolved. The director liked this take & ran with it.
@@GjpgrD Thank you!
I was a little confused of what was real and what wasn’t real
It seems this movie will go under commercially, go watch it, it's really great
Austin please review Den of thieves 2 🙏
When I walked out the movie. I ran into Ethan hawke out here at amc in Tulsa ok. Everyone walked by him and didn’t even double take. I’m like y’all don’t know who this is? He went in and watched mufasa. I didn’t talk to him I thought he was gonna come right back out but he didn’t. Mad I didn’t talk to him. Crazy story huh just hawke Chillin in the middle of hallway
Do you think the Planet of the Apes franchise should start making their apes sing and dance after witnessing this movie?
100%
I need it
They already did that on The Simpsons 20 years ago 😂
Need a dga nomination video
Gonna do an Oscar directors/actors video soon, will hopefully tie it in!
So is this technically a 24 or 25 film? Because reviews are just coming out
Dang I watched this movie before you. I’m awesome
Yeah, never heard of this dude.
He was as big as other early 2000s artists like Britney and Eminem worldwide, no joke. If his peak was more late 2000s I think the Internet would've made americans aware of him.
Eminem has kept his fame for longer though, Robbie fell off HARD after he got rid of his song writing partner Guy Chambers.
I've heard this film is actually pretty good but I doubt it's going to do well at the Box office. He's just not as well known in America unfortunately. I hope it does well I just don't see it happening.
Austin, you have lovely eyes; probably I'd guess, your mom's eyes! Nice review.
I loved this movie. It is better than Greatest Showman
Austin swore😮
I don’t even know who this is. Also the second unique style biopic to fail
Please just say twitter
So odd
I kind of laugh my ass seeing the monkey im sorry but I can't take this seriously it's look more like a parody then something that should have gotten an ACTUAL actor instead using CGI
You know I thought the same thing until I watched it… it’s genuinely great
Most people that thought that have changed their mind after seeing it.
I am a big Take That fan and first time I watched the trailer I was surprised but also kind of disappointed. I went to see it like a duty I had to perform to be up to date with ⫩ content.... and man was I wrong. I was so invested I kept forgetting he was a monkey, that's how good it is. Also, as a huge fan I can assure you this movie nails the details. Nothing is just a coincidence, every scene, every single line has a meaning with something that actually happened.
@@SamanthaJacksondid you stay for the end credits. Showed the receipts that the crazy things in the film really did happen! People that don’t know him might think parts of the film were made up for effect, for shock etc but most of it actually happened. I always thought it would hurt Robbie when Nicole married Liam and had a baby with him. I never knew she was forced to abort Robbie’s baby though. Heart breaking!
Not sure any real actor could have done Robbie justice and there would have had to be a few of them from a kid upwards. Too many mannerisms and his accent etc. I would have been nit picking. Instead the monkey just got bigger with different hair styles. You knew he wasn’t trying to impersonate Robbie so somehow it worked so well. Robbie’s narrating kept it ticking along nicely though
Like a lot of reviews have pointed out over on imdb he is very attention seeking and I personally wouldn't go out and support such a documentary because it comes off as disingenuous.
It's not a documentary, it's a fantasy. And it's the most genuine, honest portrayal of a star you will ever see. There are a lot of haters on IMDB, so I wouldn't give them any weight. Listen to people who've actually seen it. Like this reviewer!
Of course he is attention seeking... he's a pop star.
@@SamanthaJackson Exactly. Anyone who goes into show business is seeking attention! Does the OP actually believe that the music & movie stars he/she likes is not? LOL!
At least what you get with Robbie is honesty, warts an all