“Beavis and Butthead Do the Universe” is available to stream exclusively on Paramount Plus. Like the first movie, the sequel earned positive reviews from critics, fans and streamers alike. As you may know, series creator Mike Judge signed a deal to work on a revival of “Beavis and Butthead” “Daria” & “Jodie” for Paramount Plus. I already covered the history of Beavis and Butthead so don’t forget to check out more details from my article of “Beavis and Butthead Do America.”
This review contains no SPOILERS. Feel free to read my non-spoiler article. Keep in mind, this is a short review. It’s not a grand scale superhero film or a complex psychological crime-thriller. Just a low-stakes 90-minute comedy about two dimwits.
Cool & Uncool Elements
Cool: Mike Judge reprises his dual role as the titular duo. He did an excellent job for his voiceover performance. Don’t forget he also voices the hippie teacher Mr. Van Driessen.
Other Cast Members such as Andrea Savage, Nat Faxon, Phil LaMarr & Gary Cole all did a good job for their respective voiceover performances.
Animation drastically improves the show’s traditional 2D animated format. Thankfully, it’s not entirely computer animated nor ugly lookin’ like “Teen Titans Go.”
Humor retains The Duo’s stupid antics like their long-term goal is to “score chicks,” bantering with each other, lacking common sense, innuendos, foolishly playing with dangerous equipment, accidental property damage among many other things. Besides the pair, Serena is given some funny moments as an interesting villain.
Chemistry between Beavis and Butthead remains intact. They still haven’t changed since the 90s.
My favorite part is when The Duo acquires an iPhone. Product Placement done right without shoving it in your face.
The Duo encounter alternate versions of themselves resembling The Watcher from “Marvel’s What If?” Turns out Mike is a huge Marvel fan.
Pacing never felt rushed or slow. Felt normal for a 90-minute animated movie or as Pete Davidson calls it a short-ass movie on SNL.
As a result of time travel, the 2011 revival is not canon. The sequel is set in 1998, two years after Do America. Then, the boys are transported in 2022 via blackhole.
I’m giving the sequel and first movie both an Extra Point. Because the boys are from Highland, Texas. Mr. Judge is from Texas. Most of his works are set in Texas. Most notably, “King of the Hill.” By the way, I’m a Texan myself.
Daria makes a cameo appearance. This explains this was the last time she saw the two before she moved out.
Uncool: A “we are done” trope happened. I’m letting this con slide, which is played for laughs. To put the icing on the cake, a Michael Bolton song is played in the background.
Unlike the first movie, the sequel lacks an awesome soundtrack. There’s no unexpected moment like Beavis’ hallucination of Rob Zombie’s drawings.
The Final Verdict: A-
Although not given my highest grade an A, FOR APEX, Beavis and Butthead Do the Universe is a funny as heck movie that’ll make you laugh uncontrollably. If you have no plans for the weekend, how about a two-header starting with Do America & Do the Universe? I think it’s time for Daria and her bestie, Jane to get their own movie together. The upcoming Beavis and Butthead revival will take place after Do the Universe. If they watch a Cardi B music video, I’ll definitely crack up.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 