BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC

 

Back in 1989 they had an Excellent Adventure to produce the most memorable history report and then in 1991 they went on a Bogus Journey to hell and back to save themselves from death. Now, in 2020, it's time for Bill & Ted to Face the Music and fulfil their destiny. Nearly thirty years since they last graced our screens, is the world in need of Bill & Ted as they were back then?

Bill (Alex Winter) & Ted (Keanu Reeves) were once told they would save the universe through the power of music. Now middle-aged and with daughters in tow, the would-be rockers are still trying to write the hit song that will make them fulfil their destiny.

The question as to whether the world is in need of a Bill & Ted film can be answered with an emphatic yes, this is exactly what the world needs right now; wholesome and harmless fun that isn't afraid to be absurd as it wants. I remember the two previous films fondly from my childhood so there is a little bit of nostalgia that kicked in when watching Face the Music but when is that ever a bad thing?!

Granted, it's not a masterpiece but we all knew that it was never going to be so if you go into this knowing what to expect, you'll undoubtedly have a blast. It's goofy as hell, of course, but at least it has two leads fully committed to embracing the goofiness that has run throughout the franchise. Keanu Reeves is weaponless and beardless (takes a little while to get used to him without a beard by the way) but it's great to see him having so much fun back with his old pal Alex Winter, who we haven't seen much of over the years.

The pair share a great energy together on screen and it really is infectious thoughout the entire film. The involvement of their daughters was a fun idea that didn't distract from the main event and they definitely nailed it with casting Samara Weaving as Bill's daughter and Brigette Lundy-Paine as Ted's.

Like I said, this isn't a film out to win awards or be recognised as a masterpiece, and some won't be able to stand the absurdity of it all, but it is a film that gives us all a short break from the sad state of affairs we find ourselves in these days. So try to forget everything for a little while and remember to "be excellent to each other" and "party on dudes!"

Verdict: ★★★½