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Cold Turkey Mountain Bike Festival
Review: That Monkey IS Robbie Williams!
It’s only the first few weeks of January, and one of the most common questions among American theatergoers might be: Who is Robbie Williams?
If you don’t know, that’s on you—not him. You might just be missing out on the best film of the year!
Better Man, directed by The Greatest Showman‘s Michael Gracey, chronicles UK pop star Robbie Williams from his childhood to his unparalleled achievements as a record-breaking solo artist. In a bold creative choice, Robbie and his team have decided to depict him as a CGI chimpanzee, reminiscent of those seen in the Planet of the Apes films. Why? As Robbie himself puts it, “I’ve been a cheeky monkey all my life.”
If, like me, you’ve been captivated by some of the standout biopics of the past decade, such as Elvis or Rocketman, I’m thrilled to share that Better Man is cut from the same cloth. This film is fantastic for countless reasons. Not only is it a technical marvel—with CGI motion capture that is unparalleled in its ability to convey emotion—but the set pieces give the film a dazzling, high-budget feel. There are numerous standout scenes (including the ones mentioned above and below), and the editing is riddled with brilliant choices, from smash cuts to fake-outs, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
The performances are stellar across the board. Robbie voices himself with charisma, Steve Pemberton delivers a heartfelt portrayal of Robbie’s father, and Leo Harvey-Elledge shines as Liam Gallagher.
Better Man will delight most audiences. It’s a musical comedy that viewers of all ages can enjoy and connect with. At its core, Better Man is a beautiful exploration of family, respect, fame, and fortune—a truly touching cinematic experience with no filter.
The internet is ablaze with criticism over the film’s box office gross—a mere $500K in North American ticket sales—but please don’t let that deter you. Whether you’re drawn to modern musical innovation, Robbie’s iconic hits, or simply want to watch a hilarious CGI monkey engage in a ridiculous amount of inappropriate antics, Better Man is the film for you. It’s a gem destined to gain a devoted cult following.
