In this third, and from what I hear final, entry in the Bill and Ted trilogy, the titular protagonists still haven't written the song that'll unite the world and have spent the past couple decades unsuccessfully trying. They're informed that they're almost out of time and that not only is the world at stake, reality itself is.
I ended up really, really liking this. It keeps the ol' Bill and Ted feel. Probably helps that this is written by the guys who did the first two films, Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon. What we get is another wacky, creative comedy that does whatever it wants to do concept-wise. It manages to incorporate major story elements from the last two films that serve as nostalgic homages without feeling like straight-up retreads. The continuity in this feels; there's one particular bit at the beginning harkening back to the previous films that feels like it was always meant to be. Matheson and Solomon manage to include all the important supporting characters, including Death (William Sadler).
The movie constantly surprises you as to what happens next. I laughed out loud at this many times. Definitely one of the fresher written comedies I've seen in a while. This is a general audience-pleaser, neither too childish nor too mature.
Of course, the main draws are still Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves). They're humorous in their simpleness, but never played downright dumb like characters with predictable scenes where they don't understand basic concepts. Bill and Ted remain a couple of chill dudes you'd like to hang with. Them interacting goofily, but sincerely with themselves and most of the cast is one of the best parts of the film. One major difference from when they were teens, is that there is more of a earnestness with them which helps you get invested as they try to complete their mission. It's impressive how Winter hasn't dropped a beat playing Bill, especially since he hasn't been acting as much nowadays. (He's been directing recently.) Keanu isn't able to quite recapture his original performance, but Ted is kind of the slightly more mature of the duo in this and I think Keanu is able to make it work.
Supporting cast is strong. Ready or Not's Brigitte Lundy-Paine and Samara Weaving do good jobs as Billie and Thea, Bill and Ted's daughters, who are basically modern-day variations of their fathers (similar, but not soooo similar that their characters feel superfluous). I did wish we spent a little more time with them as they don't get a lot of room to breathe. By the way, I have nothing but respect for whoever designed their clothes, quite eye-catching.
There are a few rather big plotholes. They're annoying, but it's not like this trilogy was known for it's deep writing. If you liked B&T so far, this probably won't be a dealbreaker for you. The movie also ends abruptly. Considering that a lot of this film is based around Bill and Ted's issues in their personal lives, you're kind of left wanting to know where their lives are headed.
Also, Bill and Ted's wives and former princesses have been recast for a second time, this time played by Glee's Jayma Mays and Childrens Hospital's Erinn Hayes. Don't get me wrong, they're both good (though they don't get enough screentime), but it feels disrespectful to the previous actresses that they keep getting recast. (The original ones definitely weren't happy they weren't brought back for Bogus Journey.) Plus, it's a little uncomfortable that they hired actresses who are over ten years younger than the male actors they're playing against even though the characters are supposed to be all around the same age. Sort of an uncomfortable, female love interests aren't expected to look old situation.
Overall, I highly recommend this. It' just a feel-good, fun film. Party on dudes.
