10 Reasons Better Man’s Reviews Are So Positive

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 characters centers 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, the true story of Robbie Williams’ life in Better Man is proving to resonate with critics across the globe.

As the showtimes for Better Man begin to fill up, reviews for the film are being compiled. At the time of writing, Better Man sits at a 90% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the audience score sporting an incredibly positive 98% also. These strong reviews rank Better Man as one of the best music biopic movies in 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 Man simply works for a variety of reasons.

10

Better Man’s CGI Ape Works Beyond All Doubts

The Glaring Gimmick Of Better Man Is Not A Gimmick At All

Young Robbie Williams as a CGI monkey covered in mud in Better Man

Upon Better 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 for Better Man praise the decision to utilize a CGI ape as Williams’ stand-in, with The Scotsman stating: “What could have been a tedious gimmick… instead enlivens a sub-genre…”

Many reviews claim that Better Man would actively not work as well if the ape decision was not made. The Observer, for example, insists that Better Man‘s “ape device transforms what would otherwise be a rote addition to the rock biopic canon.” Others, like Film Threat, insist that the ape depiction never becomes tiresome, while the likes of Common Sense Media outline the deeper, thematic reasoning for the choice, typifying why Williams’ ape counterpart proved integral to Better 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 catapulted Better Man beyond what it could have been.

9

Better Man Is Stylistic & Has Lots Of Spectacle

The Musical Flair Of Better Man Is Apparent

A dance on a yacht in front of the moon and fireworks in Better Man (2025)

What makes Better Man even 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. Metro states that “For sheer originality, spectacle, and cheek, it’s hard to quibble much with Better Man.” Another review, this time from The Gate, criticizes Better 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 that Better Man has a distinct visual flair that sets it apart from others of its ilk. Paste Magazine sums this up, stating that Better 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.

8

Better Man Overcomes Clichéd Biopic Conventions

Other Biopics Could Use Better Man’s Uniqueness

Close

As a biopic, Better Man has 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 List insists that Better Man stands out in the crowd of biopics, while Culture Mix states the ape element is “a unique choice in an otherwise conventional but entertaining film.” Finally, Flickering Myth describes Better Man as “an invigorating biopic; a shot of creativity to the most overplayed, clichéd genre.”

7

Better Man Depicts Robbie Williams’ Life Well

Williams Has Lived A Life & A Story Worth Telling

The ape from Better Man (2025) performing next to Robbie Williams with a microphone in his hand

Custom Image by Lewis Glazebrook

Regarding Robbie Williams’ story in Better Man, this is also an aspect praised by critics. The review by We Live Entertainment highlights 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.”

6

Better Man Works For Robbie Williams Fans & Non-Fans Alike

Those Unfamiliar With Williams Will Find Just As Much To Enjoy As Diehard Fans

Robbie Williams next to the poster for Better Man (2024)

Custom Image by Lewis Glazebrook

Stemming from this point, Better Man works not only as a depiction of Williams’ life but as a way to induct unfamiliar audiences into his world. The aforementioned We Live Entertainment review highlights this, as does Geek Vibes Nation, insisting Better Man is “a compelling introduction to him for unfamiliar (read: North American) audiences.” The Weekend Warrior furthers this, stating that Better Man provides 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 Cineplex proves even more that Better 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 that Better Man works for fans and non-fans simultaneously comes from The 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…”

5

Better Man Is Raw & Emotional

Williams’ Irreverent Humor Does Not Overshadow Better Man’s Hard-Hitting Moments

Alison Steadman as Betty Williams in Better Man

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, but Better 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, while TheWrap claims “the film’s heaviest scenes sneak up on you and pack a wallop.”

CGMagazine builds on this, while also proving the point that Better 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, ScullyVision perhaps epitomizes Better 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.”

4

Better Man Has A Great Soundtrack

A Music Biopic Gets Nowhere Without Its, Well, Music

Robbie-Williams Performing

Most music biopics are expected to have good music, but Better 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 well Better Man depicts Williams’ 30-year soundtrack, with Mashable supporting this by claiming the story is “rich in vibrant emotion” with “body-rocking musical numbers.” Subculture Entertainment reinforces this, describing Better Man as “a visual masterpiece with a killer soundtrack to boot.”

3

Better Man Has Exceptional Musical Numbers

How Better Man Conveys Its Soundtrack Is Just As Impressive

Still of Robbie Williams as a chimpanzee in Better Man

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 in Better Man‘s reviews, which centers around one of Williams’ most popular songs, “Rock DJ.” The Curb describes the “Rock DJ” sequence as incredible, insisting that it is worth the price of admission on its own merits. JimSchembri supports this, claiming that this sequence turns the entire film: “Then we get to the Rock DJ number, and the film upshifts dramatically.”

Mama’s Geeky describes Better Man as “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 to Better Man‘s positive reviews. Other reviews mention the film’s cabaret-like grandiosity. The Playlist even goes as far as describing Better Man‘s musical numbers as masterful, highlighting how big a factor they are in the film’s overall positive reviews.

2

Michael Gracey Was A Great Directorial Choice For Better Man

The Director Of The Greatest Showman Puts On Another Great Show

The explosive opening in  in The Greatest Showman, featuring PT Barnum (Hugh Jackman) in a red circus outfit, singing with his arms outstretched

Michael Gracey, known for directing The Greatest Showman, has been somewhat of a divisive figure since the 2017 film was released. Critics were divided on the film, and while The Greatest Showman has excellent songs, many were unsure about the film’s overall direction. Regardless, Michael Gracey proves to be one of the strongest aspects of Better Man, with his assured direction and eye for musical numbers contributing to the biopic’s fantastic reviews.

Blended image of Hugh Jackman looking triumphant as P.T. Barnum and him leading the Greatest Showman cast in a musical number

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The review by Discussing Film somewhat alludes to Gracey’s past as a director, stating that Michael Gracey defies all expectations, delivering an incredibly inspired and surprisingly emotional film.” Empire Magazine echoes these sentiments, insisting that “Michael Gracey pulls off the biggest cinematic surprise of the year.” Finally, Time Out was nothing but positive about Better Man and its direction, claiming that “director Michael Gracey has created a fun, bombastic, brilliantly choreographed and totally enthralling film.”

1

It’s Easy To Let Better Man Entertain You

The Words To One Of Williams’ Biggest Songs Easily Describe Better Men

Robbie Williams in front of a seated crowd in Better Man

While each of these elements explored contributes to Better 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 Man proves 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 Man takes a leaf out of this book and is easy to please. The Australian states that “he [Williams] is here to entertain you, and this movie does the same,” with Film Authority reinforcing Better Man as a film that undeniably entertains. As a means of summing up one of Better Man‘s biggest elements, Roger Ebert implores audiences to embrace Williams’ brash, on-the-nose personality: “C’mon. Let him entertain you.”

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Better Man

Directed by Michael Gracey, Better Man explores the life and career of singer Robbie Williams through his own eyes.

Release Date

December 25, 2024

Cast

robbie williams
, Jonno Davies
, Steve Pemberton
, Alison Steadman
, Damon Herriman
, Anthony Hayes
, Kate Mulvany

Director

Michael Gracey

Writers

Michael Gracey
, Oliver Cole
, Simon Gleeson