Movie Review: “Bill and Ted Face the Music” is a smile-inducing reminder that we should all be excellent to each other

MOVIE REVIEW: BILL AND TED FACE THE MUSIC (PG-13)

“Bill and Ted Face the Music” is just the burst of joy i needed. It stays true to the goofy spirit of its predecessors and maintains the same infectiously likable spirit,  but it should also be noted that this accessible and undeniably lighthearted romp is every bit as heartfelt as it is zany. And for all that the trailers for this movie seemingly appear to give away, rest assured that there are some wonderful surprises in store for those who pray at the altar of Bill S. Preston Esq. (Alex Winter) and Theodore Ted Logan (Keanu Reeves.)

As “Bill and Ted Face the Music” opens, it seems that our titular heroes are now middle-aged and despite the fact that they’ve been performing as Wyld Stallyns for nearly three decades, they have yet to create the song that will save the universe as we know it even though they were prophesized to do so in 1989’s “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.” One day after an eye-opening couples therapy session with loyal princesses, Elizabeth (Erinn Hayes) and Joanna (Jayma Mays), Bill and Ted are whisked away to the future by a surprise visitor where they learn that if they don’t create the aforementioned song within 70 minutes, the fabric of reality as we know it will snap. So, our fearless (and lovingly clueless) dynamic duo head out on a brand new adventure in an effort to save mankind. But Bill and Ted’s pivotal journey is only but half the adventure as their loving daughters, Billie (Brigette Lundy-Paine) and Thea (Samara Weaving, niece of Hugo who winningly played Reeves’s adversary in “The Matrix”),  engage in a perilous mission of their own; A mission that finds this endearing duo collecting famous musicians throughout time in a valiant effort to assist their adoring dads. Will Bill and Ted succeed? Will Billie and Thea pull off the ultimate assist? Will Death return? The answers to these questions and much more await you in this wonderfully entertaining movie.

As written by Bill and Ted creators Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon, “Face the Music” doesn’t stray far from the tone that fans are expecting but again, for all the familiarity here, this film isn’t short on endearing new characters nor is short on odd but wonderful subplots. Look no further than a thread involving a fierce robotic killing machine (played by an unforgettable Anthony Carrigan) sent from the future with a most heinous prime directive. This is to say nothing of all of Bill and Ted’s bizarre encounters while zipping around the future. Don’t worry. No spoilers here.

It’s a shame that Stephen Herek (“Critters”) didn’t return to the director’s chair but Dean Parisot (maker of the appropriately beloved “Galaxy Quest”) is an absolutely perfect fit for this material bringing charm, innocence,  time traveling-chaos, a goofy spirit, a ton of heart, and a winning (if a tad offbeat) sense of humor to the wild proceedings. Even when the film feels like it might fly off the rails, Parisot manages to keep everything together. Matheson, Solomon, and Parisot are aided by a wonderful cast and production team not limited to the likes of makeup effects extraordinaire Kevin Yagher and executive producer (and Bill and Ted champion) Steven Soderbergh.

Of course, the glue that holds this thing together are a much older Winter and Reeves. They are simply wonderful in this picture. These roles fit these terrific performers like a glove and quite honestly, they’re so good, it’s as if Bill and Ted never left. True, they’re still goofy and often clueless but their age does certainly play a factor in this story. And in fact, one Bill and Ted encounter in this picture not only proves to be surprisingly touching but it’s even–dare I say it–Poignant! Likewise, Lundy-Paine and Weaving are adorable as the next generation of Bill and Ted, and watching these lively performers engage in their own adventure clearly indicates that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Elsewhere, William Sadler makes an absolutely hilarious return as Death, and not surprisingly, his chemistry with Reeves and Winter is spot on.

“Face the Music” isn’t only a pitch-perfect bromance and an ode to fathers and daughters. It’s also a loving tribute to the enduring power of music. Further still, “Face the Music” is a much-needed look at the importance of unity. The ending of this picture feels a tad off but a little bonus scene following the end credits more than makes up for it. Ultimately, this is a smile-inducing gem and it serves as a near-perfect capper to a 31-year-old series. Not bad for a movie that almost never came to be. Seriously, it’s been a long road for this film and quite frankly, I’m eternally grateful that we got it all.  Additionally, I’m grateful that “Face the Music” dropped during a time when we need it most. This is ‘a most triumphant time’ at the movies. It’s everything I wanted to be but most importantly, it’s a grand reminder that we should all be excellent to each other.

*”Bill and Ted Face the Music” is currently playing in theaters but it’s also available VOD.

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