by Shane Conto
Are you ready to face the music?
This weekend you get to see our old buddies in the saddle again with Bill & Ted Face the Music. I was sitting and watching my screener of the film and just had to say out loud “I cannot believe I am watching a new Bill & Ted film in 2020”. 19 years have passed since we went on a Bogus Journey with Bill S. Preston Esq and Theodore Logan and many people have been calling for a sequel ever since. The cult classic films have gained a great following over the years and have gotten popular enough for Orion Pictures to deliver us the goods.
But the big question has to be…was it worth the wait?
Dean Parisot of Galaxy Quest fame has taken over the reins to direct this latest effort of Bill & Ted. You can feel the similar sheen in look and absurdist tone that Parisot brought to his previous efforts. There is a breakneck pace to Face the Music that makes for a zippy and fun time. Will you have fun on this crazy adventure? I bet you will! Fun. That is the biggest thing that this film has going for it. Parisot allows his actors to make bold choices in their performance which is better or worse. This approach really works for some and feels a little wooden for others. For a comedy, Bill & Ted Face the Music is full of visual effects that create cool future worlds and crazy environments once reality starts to crumble. Is Face the Music the most expertly directed film of the year?
No…but it feels like Bill & Ted and that is the most important thing.
Who could possibly write this crazed and insane saga of two goofs who travel through time and hell to save humanity? Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon…and they are back for this final go around. The premise of the film is that Bill & Ted, with the help of their daughters, must create the song that saves reality within a set period of time. Go! We are off to the races. Does this premise sound a bit familiar? It does, as it picks ideas from the first two films. Honestly the screenplay in general feels pretty derivative of the two previous films in the franchise. Many plot points and gags feel a bit too familiar given the vibe of a late-career Mel Brooks film. Is it still fun to watch our favorite slackers/musicians do their thing? Of course! The dialogue ranges from wooden and forgettable, to laugh out loud funny. In the end, the film has strong themes of hope and art and packs plenty of heart.
What was one of the biggest selling points of this 29 years late sequel?
We get to see Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter back in the roles that brought them plenty of attention. Do they deliver? They sure do! Alex Winter honestly feels like he never stopped portraying Bill. Keanu is riding high on his incredible success as of late and heightened popularity and delivers a fun and memorable performance once again as Ted. Reeves’ comedic timing is perfect as some of his jokes land incredibly well and deliver some great laughs. One of the most fun aspects of the film is seeing Reeves and Winter portray different versions of their iconic characters. Their interactions provide a lot of depth to their performances. Samara Weaving and Bridgette Lundy-Paine are inspired casting as Bill & Ted’s daughters as they capture the spirit and energy of their paternal counterparts. The returning supporting cast is a bit hit or miss with William Sadler delivering a great return as Death and Hal Landon Jr giving a completely wooden and poor performance as Ted’s dad. Kristen Schaal is a fun addition and Anthony Carrigan’s robot character has a specific sense of humor that worked for me a lot, but I can see how it might not for others.
All of this being said there is one big question left to answer…was it worth it? If you love Bill & Ted, you will probably love every second of this film. The film knows exactly what it is. In the end, I think that is what matters. One thing is for certain, you will enjoy seeing Reeves and Winter being Bill & Ted one last time.
So for all those Bill & Ted fans out there, go ahead and face the music!
Grade: B-