You read that headline correctly. This is not pandering, this is not based on childhood nostalgia, nor is it based on the complexity of the story — which is beyond simplistically straight forward. This statement is based on a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment within the first two minutes that allows for this declaration. Bill & Ted Face the Music is the greatest sequel in cinema history!
Ted Theodore Logan (Keanu Reeves) and Bill S. Preston Esquire (Alex Winter) has been wracking their brains for the past 25 years is trying to unite the world with a song that Rufus (George Carlin, RIP) has stated they would do so in a most excellent adventure.
The usual misgivings happen as Ted’s dad, Chief Logan (Hal Landon Jr.) thinks his slacker son and idiot friend are delusional, their wives, Princessess Elizabeth (Erinn Hayes) and Joanna (Jayma Mays) seek couples counseling with the help of Dr. Wood (Jillian Bell). The only two people that believe in our lovable nitwits are their daughters “Little Bill” Billie Preston and “Little Ted” Thea Preston (Samara Weaving), who’s musical addiction helps them steal Rufus’ daughter, Kelly’s (Kristen Schaal) pod to try to save all of existence before it collapses in on itself.
While Bill and Ted decided to time travel into the future to steal the song from themselves in order to save history, Billie and Thea for the sheer love of their fathers travel back in time to retrieve the greatest musicians in history. Those would include Jimi Hendrix (DazMann Still), Louie Armstrong (Jeremiah Craft), Ling Lun (Sharon Gee), Kid Cudi and a few others.
There are a couple of other twists and turns and a situation that leaves us satisfied with the ending, but those you have to see for yourself. My only gripe is in selecting the world’s greatest drummer, they didn’t go with Eric Carr. Carr, was the second drummer for the legendary rock band KISS, but the very last song he ever played on was, God Gave Rock ‘N Roll to You, which was from the soundtrack to 1991’s, Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey. Carr died of cancer shortly after the recording and that would have not only been a great tribute to the late drummer, but brought the entire film full circle.
(Lt. to rt.) Ted (Keanu Reeves) and Bill (Alex Winter) Face the Music.
Is Bill & Ted Face the Music, predictable? Absolutely. Did Bill & Ted Face the Music go a little light on story? Sure. Could Bill & Ted Face the Music have gone an extra 15 minutes for greater character development? Well, yeah. But did Bill & Ted Face the Music make me laugh my posterior off, had me tearing up from not only sentimental reasons but also because it was just that funny? You bet your life it did.
My sides ache, my face hurts, I’m out of breath and by God, I’m going to watch it again tomorrow so I don’t suffocate from laughter.
Bill & Ted Face the Music is available on VOD, Friday, August 28, 2020.
