The movie
Show notes
In this week’s episode we dive into Better Man , Michael Gracey’s glossy Robbie Williams biopic — the one where Robbie is portrayed as a CGI chimp . Yes, really. It’s a bold swing that reframes a familiar music-biopic arc with unexpected bite: boy-band manufacture, burnout, reinvention, and the messy business of becoming “Robbie” when “Robert” is still in the room. What we cover The Big Swing: Why the CGI chimp isn’t a gimmick for giggles but a visual metaphor for the “performing monkey” persona Robbie built to survive fame — and why that works (or doesn’t) for each of us. Factory Settings: From Nigel & Gary’s control of Take That to the economics of who actually got paid, and the cost of being the “likeable one” without songwriting credits. Oasis Years & Networth Fever: The hang-around era, the envy, the one-upmanship, and the obsession with conquering Knebworth as validation. Dad, Demons & Dopamine: Anxiety, addiction, and that lifelong pursuit of approval — including the film’s sweetest and saddest notes with Nan, and the uneasy father-son bookends. Does the Film Sing? Staging, choreography, and why set-pieces like “Rock DJ” land; what’s rushed (Oasis/Nicole), what’s caricature (sorry, Gary), and where the emotional math still doesn’t balance. Should you watch the film — and our take on it? Short answer: yes to our episode (obviously), and qualified yes to the movie. One of us calls the chimp choice inspired , one calls it clever but not essential , and one is just happy it’s never dull. If you like spirited disagreement with actual reasons, you’re in the right feed. “It’s every music-biopic cliché — but with a CGI chimp doing the coke. Somehow, that makes it feel new.” 🎧 Hit play for sharp chat, zero reverence, and plenty of laughs. If you’re new here, stick around after the review for our trademark Top-5 chaos and listener shout-outs. You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts
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