'Bill & Ted Face the Music': Keanu Reeves and Alex Winters are back to save the world in hilarious popcorn flick
Some films in the world don't really need ratings. They don't need critics sitting and decoding every frame, every minute detail. They don't have the need to prove themselves to the world. Good, bad, terrible, outrageous, brilliant...none of these honestly matter. And these are the films that fall under the "cult-classic" category. Joining this list of epics are the 'Bill & Ted' series.
'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure' and the sequel 'Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey' are rated 80% and 55% on Rotten Tomatoes, but it doesn't really matter. These two were perfect popcorn flicks that had generous doses of humor, some great music and two brilliant actors in Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves who had the world asking for more.
So much was asked that 'Bill & Ted' are returning again 29 years later to the big screen to tell a tale of friendship, love and of course, the task of saving the world. For those who have watched 'Excellent Adventure' and 'Bogus Journey', they will be quick to notice that barring the age, not much has changed between Bill (Winter) and Ted (Reeves).
They're still the same goofy men who emphasize the word "dude" in almost every conversation. They've been married to their sweethearts, Princesses Joanna (Jayma Mays) and Elizabeth (Erinn Hayes). It is a laugh riot from the opening scene as they play their new song at Missy's wedding only to be laughed at.
By the way, they are fathers now. Bill's daughter, Wilhelmina "Billie" Logan (Brigette Lundy-Paine) and Ted's kid, Theodora "Thea" Preston (Samara Weaving) are just like their dads. They're cute, funny, and love their music. Trouble strikes in when they're pulled back into the future to create a song in 78 minutes that will save all life on Earth and the entire universe.
Failing to do so would mean changing of eras and timelines. The iconic telephone booth is back as Bill and Ted explore various versions of their futures to get the song. And while we don't want to spoil things for you, what we can hint at is the presence of some classic musicians who help in getting the perfect song.
Death is supposed to be a scary concept, but not when it is played by William Sadler reprising his role as the grim reaper. 'Face the Music' is 90 minutes of absolute fun and what makes it worth the watch is the connect the franchise established since '89. Considering 'Bogus Journey' was a bit of a disappointment to a few, 'Face the Music' makes up for it.
In this age with countless content and the multiple platforms, ‘Bill & Ted’ continued to garner fans, and when news about ‘Face the Music’ in the works started doing the rounds. Coming back to the film, by the end credits roll, there is a sense of nostalgia that sinks in.
Reeves and Winter deliver impeccable performances and are ably assisted by Lundy-Paine and Weaving. Sadler as death is a delight to watch. If the light-hearted film’s job was to bring alive the magic of the ‘Bill & Ted’ franchise, then it’s safe to say the job’s done.
The writing is delightfully crisp and those who probably haven’t watched the predecessor movies don’t really have to worry as there’s enough context set. These are troubled times and the world can use some laughter, love, and good music. ‘Face the Music’ makes sure all three are doled out in good measure.
'Bill & Ted Face the Music' releases on August 28 in theatres and VoD.
