Review: Bill & Ted Face The Music

The most excellent of duos that defined epic slackers, returns in a fashionable way. Luckily for all, both Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are coming off of previous projects that have raised their spotlight levels, just enough to revive the franchise (yes, mostly Keanu). Be that as it may, returning Bill and Ted without a good story would be meaningless and could possibly hurt the legacy in a bogus way.

Luckily, the story takes into account the aging of the characters, their mild growth and the campy-ness expected. We return to find Bill S. Preston Esquire (Alex Winter) and Ted Theodore Logan (Keanu Reeves) with families, responsibilities and the drive to create the song that will unite the people. Unfortunately, the song escapes them at every turn as they try experimental sounds and instruments to create new tracks. Along for the ride are the Princesses, now wives, and daughters that are spitting images of their fathers.

Thea (Samara Weaving) and Billie (Brigette Lundy-Paine) are the biggest Wyld Stallyns and music fans. Always backing their fathers, but with a slight sadness as they watch their patriarchs falter musically. If only there was a way to magically help them. Enter Kelly (Kristin Schaal) dropping from the sky in a new time machine. Announcing herself and her connections to Bill & Ted’s destiny, she whisks them away to the future.

From there, Bill & Ted must deal with a deadline to help humanity, the pressures of over-thinking time travel and running into future and alternate versions of themselves that are less than excellent.

For me, Bill and Ted Face the Music is nostalgia that rocks hard! During these times of quarantine, we have been inundated with so many dramatic indie films, I was more than ready for a fun adventure. And fun is what this film is about! For all the people that love the Cobra Kai’s of the world and the return of characters that brought along a smile and new story. There has never been a better time to lean into the goofy side of cinemas, especially when you can throw in characters with honest hearts and positive goals. So pay the operator and make your connection to a film that may help bring back the air guitar.