After “Bill And Ted’s Excellent Adventure” came out in 1989 as well as becoming an instant cult classic, a sequel titled, “Bill And Ted’s Bogus Journey” brought back Keanu Reeves & Alex Winter to reprise their roles as the duo going in a different scenario unlike the first film. This time, they are sent to hell and they must find a way to bring themselves back to life in order save the world again.
Bill And Ted’s Bogus Journey was released in 1991. (same year Point Break came out) It received mixed reviews from critics and made enough money at the box office. Overtime, Bogus Journey became a cult classic labeled as one of the best comedy sequels.
The overdue sequel, “Bill And Ted Face The Music” is officially out on video demand and select theaters. Now is the right time to look back at Bogus Journey to see what’s good or bad about his second entry to the Bill And Ted series. I also wrote a review of the first movie to prep myself up.
Today’s review doesn’t contain no crucial SPOILERS. Feel free to read my non-spoiler article. Is it as good as the first film? Let’s find out shall we?
Excellent & Bummer Qualities
Excellent: Keanu Reeves & Alex Winter both did an awesome job for their respective performances as the duo. They also portray robotic evil versions of the characters.
William Sadler did a great job for his hilarious performance as The Grim Reaper. Every time he’s on screen, he steals the show.
The late George Carlin reprises his role as Rufus. He did a decent job for his performance.
Screenwriters Ed Solomon (Men In Black) & Chris Matheson (A Goofy Movie) both wrote the script. They also wrote the first film and the new one.
Pete Hewitt (Garfield: The Movie, Thunderbirds, Zoom) did a good job directing. This was his only good movie he directed until he picked the aforementioned Garfield, Thunderbirds & Zoom.
Humor is filled with well written jokes that made me laugh. Especially the part where the duo falling to hell. I have no choice but to give it Bonus Points as I consider it as the best part. Now I understand “Spy Kids 2: The Island Of Lost Dreams” referenced the deep fall.
The duo go through bizarre predicaments weirder than their quest to ace on their history report.
Unlike the first film, Bogus Journey is different. This time, Bill & Ted are sent to hell as they must find a way to come back to their world in order to fulfill their destiny. Unlike “Home Alone 2: Lost In New York,” it never repeats the same story again.
The duo’s challenge with The Grim Reaper is played for laughs.
One scene parodies the film “Ghost” with Ted possessing his dad.
A character named, Station plays a key role. He reminds me of Groot or Pikachu saying his name over and over again.
KISS’ song “God Gave Rock & Roll Too You” is played during the end credits. KISS is one of my favorite rock bands. Too bad their song was not nominated at The Oscars for “Best Original Song.”
Rock band, Primus make a cameo appearance as themselves.
A location from “Star Trek: The Original Series” is used for the duo’s death scene. I’ll give you a hint, it’s that one episode with Captain Kirk fighting a lizard.
Bummer: The Climax felt underwhelming. I would say anti-climatic. I wanted something that made logical sense, not a “Deus Ex Machina” (look it up) suddenly happening for no apparent reason.
Some of the Special Effects didn’t age pretty well. Let’s face it, it was 1991 before Computer Animation significantly improved today’s effects. I’ll let this con slide.
If you’re gay or a closeted individual, there’s a gay joke that might make you feel uncomfortable. Could be worse if Sean Schemmel (voice of Goku) actually greets his fans calling them “The Other F-Word.” I’m not kidding, there’s Funimation audio leaks of Sean in character. Unlike Goku, Sean is an asshole like Puck from “The Real World.”
The Final Verdict: A-
All I can say is, Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey remains as one of those rare comedy sequels that are surprisingly good next to the “Austin Powers” sequels, Wayne’s World 2,” 22 Jump Street” & Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2.” If you’re eager to watch Bill & Ted Face The Music, be sure to refresh your memory by watching the first two films.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 