Movie Review: Bill & Ted Face The Music

Once told they'd save the universe during a time-traveling adventure, 2 would-be rockers from San Dimas, California find themselves as middle-aged dads still trying to crank out a hit song and fulfil their destiny.

What is the nature of reality? What does it mean to grow old without ever realising your full potential? Can love survive the confines of marriage? What are the true limits of friendship?

BATFTM doesn't attempt to answer any of these fundamental questions. This is a daft and joyful movie. It will not tax your brain, nor make a dent in your moral universe. It is a stoner-esque roadtrip which carefully avoids mentioning sex and drugs, but pays fleeting homage to Rock 'n' Roll.

The dudes are older - if not wiser - and have naturally lost some of their pep and vigour. Luckily, Brigette Lundy-Paine does an amazing impression of the twenty-something Reeves.

I only have hazy memories of the first two films. But they both seemed homogeneously white. BATFTM attempts to rectify this by cramming in a bunch of historial Black musicians - which works really well. And a Black cave-women - which doesn't. Because I am an old, white, Brit, I had no idea who Kid Cudi is - so the meta-joke fell a bit flat for me.

As grown men, Bill and Ted seem more comfortable with their sexuality than they did as teens. Which is nice.

Next time someone tells you their Code of Conduct can be summarised as "Be Excellent To Each Other" - remember that scene, eh?

In the end, it's a worth watching with a beer in your hand and a song in your heart. You get to spend a few hours catching up with old friends that you haven't seen for ages. You'll have a delightful time, then remember why you don't see them that often.

Anyway BATFTM is streaming right now on American VOD platforms. So either fire up your VPN, or wait a month until it is released in UK cinemas.