Music has the power to unite us all. It is a concept that probably existed well before the 1989 film, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. For myself, it was this singular cinematic outing that placed such a thought in my head. I was probably around 11 or 12 the first time I was introduced to this most excellent duo. Though, it won’t be until a few years later that I remember being awestruck by the power of music. Music was one of my strongest passions during my teenage years. I was amazed by the power of which music spoke to me. These men and women that I had never met before yet somehow had spoken directly to me. Lines like “you wanna see me disappear? Well so do I.” (UnderOath, “There Could Be Nothing After This”), “It seems like everything is gray & there's no color to behold. They say it's over and I'm fine again” (Seether, “Fine Again”) & “Once a whore, you're nothing more, I'm sorry that'll never change” (Paramore, “Misery Business”) spoke directly to me. They seemed to supernaturally understand me and where I was at that very moment in my life.

Whether it was my teen angst, feeling the heavyweight of depression, being cheated on, or feeling unspeakable joy – these artists spoke directly to my soul. Whatever the genre, artist, or song – this is the power of music. I remember standing in a room, full of people from all walks of life, all with different stories, beliefs, and identities. Yet, all connected by the same song or artist. If you’ve never noticed it before, I challenge you to take a step back at the next concert you go to. Look around the crowd and just study the fans that are experiencing this moment with you. You’ll find that music doesn’t care about what race, political view, religious background, sexual or gender identity. It is meant to entertain and connect us. It has the power to connect us all. Have you stopped and thought about the artists writing such songs though?

Do you think they feel pressure to unite humanity through their art? Or do you think they just make art and hope it connects with their fans and/or listeners? Imagine the strain it must place upon the artist for such a job: unite humanity & connect us all. Imagine that you’re from the future and you’re telling that to teenagers. Back in 1989, the aforementioned Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves) were introduced to time travel to save a future where they write the song that would unite humanity. While it’s far less superior sequel, Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey, mildly explored that plotline. The boys are back to finish the job, and trilogy, they started more than 30 years ago. Bill and Ted Face the Music reunites Winter and Reeves as they race against the clock to finish writing a song that will unite the world and save the very fabric of time. No pressure, right?

Reeves and Winter never seem to miss a beat. Even though, their careers have gone in very opposite directions. The chemistry between the duo has never been better. As the cornerstone of the film, they are no longer the stars of the film any longer. While still turning in some humorous and endearing performances, it’s actually the chemistry between their offspring that steal the show. Samara Weaving & Brigette Lundy-Paine are incredible together. The blending of generations, and the purity there within, allows for a dual narrative that brings the characters and narrative into familiar territory. While equally refreshing the audience at the same time. Paying homage to its’ predecessors in several different ways, Bill & Ted delivers a film that is beautifully pure and just awestruck amazing. 

More than the performances, though, it’s the pacing of its’ story. Set at a brisk 92-minute runtime, the movie never drags or feels too quick. Perhaps bringing back writers, Ed Solomon and Chris Matheson, to the fold is the secret to the film’s success when it comes to its development, character interactions, and humor. Matheson and Solomon equally bring the series back to its’ roots and bring redemption to both the characters and franchise along the way. The second film in the trilogy, Bogus Journey, brought the characters to some cringy situations and to the worst they’ve ever been. While Music brings the characters and franchise back to equally its’ sci-fi roots, thanks to the addition of time travel and the ever-hilarious Dennis Caleb McCoy (Anthony Carrigan), and its comedic roots. Resulting in a sense of feel-good nostalgia, excellent storytelling, and all-around terrific performances.

Overall, Bill and Ted Face the Music is a franchise high for the fan-favorite characters. Returning to the roots, of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Journey, the movie masterfully blends its sci-fi roots and comedic timing. The reunion of Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves allows for the film to stay grounded in nostalgia, beautifully improving upon its mixed foundation. While equally ushering in a new era of the franchise with stars Samara Weaving and Brigette Lundy-Paine. The two steal the show from the duo audiences are coming to see in Reeves and Winter. The chemistry between the two actresses easily rivals that of their on-screen fathers. Face the Music is a joyful romp that will place a smile on your face the entirety of the film. Good things come to those who wait because Bill and Ted have never been better.

RORSCHACH RATING

If you or someone you know is reading this right now and you are struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message or tweet to us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!

Victims and Villains is written Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey (and produced by), Caless Davis, Dan Rockwood, & Brandon Miller. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. Bill & Ted Face the Music is property of Orion Pictures. We do not own nor claim any rights. Bill & Ted Face the Music is now available on digital platforms and is playing in select theaters.

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