Bill and Ted: Face The Music
review by Bobby Blakey
In the late 80s there were few characters as memorable as Bill & Ted. I remember seeing Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure in theaters and laughing my butt off. In 1991 the popularity of the film spawned the much deserved sequel Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey. The film was met with mixed reviews, but nonetheless has become a favorite as well. For years we have heard rumblings of a new film in the works but it looked like it was never going to happen. Thanks in part to the new action star success of Reeves and his John Wick franchise they are finally getting the band back together for Bill & Ted Face The Music starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter reprising their famed roles, but will it capture the heart and fun of the originals or should it have stayed in the past?
Bill and Ted Face The Music follows the time-traveling exploits of William "Bill" S. Preston Esq. and Theodore "Ted" Logan. Yet to fulfill their rock and roll destiny, the now middle aged best friends set out on a new adventure when a visitor from the future warns them that only their song can save life as we know it. Along the way, they will be helped by their daughters, a new batch of historical figures, and a few music legends — to seek the song that will set their world right and bring harmony in the universe.
While I know the original is a much better movie, I still love the first two films in this series. I always wanted more from this hapless duo but was fine with what we have. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t stupid excited to see this next chapter. My biggest initial issue was seeing Reeves without his now trademark John Wick beard and worrying if I could buy into these older guys acting like this and I was all in. Sure it’s ridiculous, but that is part of the charm. They are much more toned down in energy which is expected as older guys, but they are still very much the Bill and Ted we love.
The story takes some fun new twists to the ongoing tale to save the universe bringing both old and new faces to the story complete with a great nod to the
later great George Carlin. Part of what makes these films work is the heart behind them all and it is here in spades. The ideal has always been about family, bond and music uniting the world and they have come up with a great new way to bring it all home. Both Reeves and Winter are all in and clearly having a blast playing not just the Bill and Ted we love but varying versions throughout time. This brings a new fun element along with the tones of the previous to films into an all-encompassing story that truly brings it all together through music.
During this stressful time in the world with racial tension, political fighting and a pandemic these two guys are exactly what the world needs. Much like their music is meant to save the world in the movie, this movie could bring the positive light and laughter this world needs to be saved for at least a brief time if not forever.
In addition to the feature this release also includes bonus content including Comic Con @Home Panel and numerous featurettes taking you behind bringing this most excellent adventure to life. Jump in your phone booth and travel to get your copy of Bill and Ted Face the Music available now on Digital and then on Blu-ray and DVD on November 10th from Warner Bros Home Entertainment.