Guilty pleasures can be a very dangerous thing to filmmakers, potentially blinding them to other, better, cinematic works. While some films, television shows or pieces of music may evoke a certain emotion or amount of nostalgia, it is safe to say that you shouldn't rely on just one piece of art to bring you comfort. Unless, of course, that piece of art includes Keanu Reeves playing the air guitar and having the time of his life. So forget everything I just said. Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure truly provides everything that a nostalgic, guilty pleasure should be. A young Keanu, an absolutely goofy plot, and fantastic music: everything that makes an 80's comedy of this caliber so special. This film is not one of my favorites or even a well-written story, but there is no denying that it is an extremely fun watch to take your mind off of whatever totally not excellent topic you may be groveling over.
Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves) are two best friends and bandmates living in San Dimas, California trying to get their music career started with their band Wyld Stallyns. The two realize that they can't do that, however, without passing their history class and graduating high school, or else Ted will be shipped off to a military academy. When Rufus (George Carlin), a traveler from the future arrives, he offers them hope with a time machine that they must use in order to pass their dreaded class. The script of this film, written by Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon, is an example of such a simple idea that a screenwriter can come up with while still having their work be idolized for generations. The premise of Bill and Ted's adventure is a goofy time-travel romp as they attempt to gather up a multitude of historical figures throughout history to help them with their report. Writing this movie in the 1980s was probably not the most difficult thing, as there are plenty of other films that attempt to explain or dramatize time travel in the most serious of ways. This story did not require that at all, however, and I'm glad that these storytellers took the most playful route possible. It's very rare to see a film like this nowadays, as audiences all over constantly look for the deeper meaning or how a certain story ties into the modern climate. What I love most about Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure is that it never tries to be anything more than a silly buddy comedy that was an apparent blast to make. Sometimes a film is needed just to take people's minds off of everything and this movie is the perfect one to do so. Even though the late 1980s were a much different time than now, I wish more movies like this were made today. The script from Matheson and Solomon might not have the most laugh-out-loud humor or most devastating drama, but the unbridled joy that comes from this story is undeniable.
The characters of Bill and Ted themselves are some of the most memorable characters ever written and for so many reasons. The sheer carelessness that they exhibit in every scene is hilarious and their interactions with the various historical figures are amazing. Despite the screenwriters reducing many of these critical people like Abraham Lincoln and Joan of Arc down to certain stereotypes regarding their legacies, they were written to fit this story so well. Perhaps it is because of the film's PG rating, but it was also honestly refreshing not to see these two become the typical, stereotypical "potheads" that you would expect in a comedy such as this. Even though some of their actions and mannerisms may lead you to believe so, it's nice to see two, blissfully idiotic friends bounce jokes off of each other. The chemistry between Reeves and Winter has to be fantastic for this film to work, of course, and they definitely do not let their audience down. These two best friends could not have been cast any better and without their spunk, this movie might have been more of a cultural flop. For a film that also does not even take its own message very seriously, there are actually some impressive technical elements throughout. The special effects, even with an estimated budget of $10 million, looked fairly decent and even though they might not be anywhere near where special effects are today, still provided for an unforgettable aesthetic. What surprised me the most, however, was Jill M. Ohanneson's costuming and Roy Forge Smith's production design. To be able to navigate all of these different time periods and make such beautiful, engaging set pieces was incredible. The clash of cultures throughout this movie not only made for some of the most humorous scenes, but they all still kept their distinct looks throughout.
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure is not only one of the most quotable and lighthearted films of all time but makes for a perfect watch when you need something to pick you up. There is endless, naive fun to be had with this exuberant tale of Bill S. Preston, Esquire, and Ted "Theodore" Logan, as it is impossible not to enjoy. And anyone who tells you different is a liar who is incapable of letting loose and being excellent.
My Rating: ★★★★
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