Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

‘Strange things are afoot at the Circle K.’
- Ted ‘Theodore’ Logan

What’s fascinating about motion pictures from the 1980s and 1990s, the ones that featured outcasts and nerds and everything in between, is the sheer fact that these movies are a fascinating encapsulation of the zeitgeist of the times. Because geeks and folks that didn’t quite fit in really were viewed as hardcore losers back then, who somehow wouldn’t amount to anything when they graduated high school and stepped out into the real world. Because cliques and every other stereotype from the era were viewed as the only paths to success and well, obviously we know how that story turns out since all the ‘goofy’ kids went on to rule the world and do incredible things. Which makes a great many of these films quite dated since that view is no longer shared by the majority.
 
But some of them were packed with more than just gags and poor stereotypes. Because some of these movies, go far deeper than one might expect, and what was once viewed as nothing more than a silly comedy where the goofy kid became the hero, ended up offering all kinds of important life lessons and messages. The kind that the audience might find when they reflect upon said movie or movies somewhere down the line and it just so happens that a wonderful comedy about two ‘slackers’, who will someday save the universe if they get their act together, turned out to be a movie that meets that criteria. Which is quite surprising to say the least, since Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure really doesn’t seem as though it has a lot of offer in the way of depth at first glance.
 
After all, Bill Preston and Ted Logan really are about as lost as it gets when we meet them in this movie, and it seems so outlandish that they could potentially unite the world with some tasty tunes. But when one settles in to watch this movie now, it quickly becomes apparent that this story had some incredible themes to offer its audience. Such as how we should never judge a book by its cover. Because so many see Bill and Ted as losers and going nowhere in life, but hey… they are indeed going to save the world one way or another and the ingenuity they put on display as they assemble heroes from history for their final exam, is what truly hammers home this point since it helps us and others to understand that these two righteous dudes are far smarter than anyone ever gave them credit. 

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​But the wonder of this motion picture and what it has to offer doesn’t end with such a simple point. For it also dives deep into how we need to dream and dream big in life. Because once Bill and Ted come to learn of their fate, they’re committed to this path and love the idea that their dream can in fact come true and that is what motivates them and focuses them in ways they never thought possible. And what this does for the audience, is that it reminds us to hang onto that dream and let it infect every facet of our minds and our imagination. Because when we are determined to reach for the skies and get what we want, there is nothing that can stop us and who knew that we’d find a message that uplifting in a movie where Napoleon Bonaparte eats the Ziggy Pig.
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Yet while all those messages are powerful and timely, they all pale in comparison to the movie’s biggest message of all; to be kind to other people. Because Bill and Ted have every reason to turn on people and snap at them or show malice, since they are picked on and marginalized at every turn. But instead of taking that route, they remain optimistic and show everyone they meet from the future and the past and everyday life with incredible kindness and respect and that is just something that takes you off guard upon a second or fiftieth viewing of this movie. Because there’s no gritty backstory for these teens, or trauma or anything like that driving them forward. They just want to be good people and rock stars and that is refreshing to see, and it definitely cements the fact that we could use a little more of that mentality in our daily lives. 
 
However, make no mistake about it, this really is a wonderful comedy through and through. And the jokes present here hold up well thanks in large part to a phenomenal cast and some top-notch writing. Because Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter bring so much magic and depth to characters that appeared two dimensional in the initial advertising for this film. And their fine work here, makes these two dudes quite relatable and accessible, which prompts the viewer to root for them every step of the way, and of course… you can never go wrong with George Carlin popping up in any role and he steals the show here as Rufus. As for the quality of the writing, well the fact that you’re never confused about what’s going on is what reinforces the wonder of the script. Because time travel is sticky business, the kind that get away from a writer quickly, but Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon work wonders here and really in the end, this is simply a magnificent motion picture. One full of heart and wonder and hilarity and its ability to resonate with audiences today, make it timeless for certain, and a must-see for the uninitiated.

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