Imagine pitching this idea to studio heads – two air-headed slackers use a time-hopping telephone booth to gather great historical figures for their end-of-the-year history project. I wouldn’t call that the easiest sell. But what originated as a college stand-up routine ended up turning a nice profit, spawned a sequel, an animated TV series, even a breakfast cereal. I wonder who ever saw that coming?
“Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” came from the writing duo of Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon. The two college friends conceived the idea, winning over director Stephen Herek who told The Hollywood Reporter that he knew the film was “either going to be a huge hit or a huge flop“. After a roller-coaster production including hundreds of auditions, budget constraints, and a rewritten ending, “Bill & Ted” released in February of 1989 to mediocre reviews. But over time it has been reevaluated and the two lovable goofballs have found themselves a following.
Photo Courtesy of Orion Pictures
Set in San Dimas, California 1988, best buddies Bill S. Preston Esquire (Alex Winter) and Ted Theodore Logan (Keanu Reeves) are more interested in their not-so-good rock band Wyld Stallyns than something silly like passing their history class. But they get a rude awakening when their teacher (the always fun Bernie Casey) informs them that if they don’t get an A+ on their history project they will flunk his class. Even worse, Ted’s draconian father threatens to send his son with military school in Alaska if he doesn’t pass the course.
While studying outside of their local Circle K, a time machine phone booth suddenly appears and out of it walks George Carlin (of all people). He plays Rufus, a time traveler from 2688 who has come back to help Bill and Ted ace their history project. Why you ask? Turns out that future humanity now live in utopian bliss thanks to the music of Wyld Stallyns. If the boys fail, Ted gets sent to Alaska, Wyld Stallyns never happens, you get the picture.
So Rufus gives Bill and Ted the keys to the phone booth. Things start a little rocky after they inadvertently bring Napoleon Bonaparte back to modern day. But it ends up inspiring the duo (not exactly known for their genius). They begin making other stops in the past, scooping up some of history’s greatest (and in same cases most notorious) celebrities including Socrates (affectionately mispronounced “so -crates”), Billy the Kid, Beethoven, Genghis Khan, Sigmund Freud, Joan of Arc (played by Jane Wiedlin from The Go-Go’s), and of course Abraham Lincoln.
Photo Courtesy of Orion Pictures
Obviously such a ridiculous plan will have its share of kinks and the filmmakers have fun working them out. But what really makes the movie click is the playful buddy chemistry between Reeves and Winter. Charmingly dimwitted from start to finish, their silly banter and “most triumphant” air guitar rewards those who come at the story with a lighthearted approach. If the duo doesn’t work for you, neither will the movie. Everything else is pretty much dressing and/or part of the joke. It’s Bill and Ted’s movie from start to finish.
“Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” is every bit as absurd as it sounds, and that’s a compliment. Rewatching it, I was quickly reminded why it didn’t win any awards. Its skin-deep storytelling doesn’t have an ounce of nuance and the special effects definitely reflect the budget. But I was also reminded of why the movie still has a vocal, fun-loving following. It’s such a happy, good-natured escape that couldn’t take anything serious if it tried. Is that enough to make it worth your time? Totally!
VERDICT – 3.5 STARS
Keith & the Movies 
This movie was a whole lotta fun 🙂
It really is. I’ll be honest, I didn’t know what to expect during my revisit. But I watched it with my kids (their first time seeing it) which made it even more fun.
I did enjoy this back in the day. Not sure I could now, especially as we are a kidfree zone.
I had that very same concern going in. Could it possibly hold up. I gotta admit I had fun with it. A bit nostalgic for sure, but they are just such likable dimwits.
Think we’re done with Keanu for the time being! Mnemonic followed by Constantine the following week, too much! 😀
OUCH! Yep you gotta be pretty selective with Keanu’s filmography. I like Speed, Point Break, the first Matrix (and a couple scenes from the second), and the John Wick’s. But he has a lot of stinkers.
Yes he was perfect for Matrix, and has redeemed himself in John Wicks. Anyways luckily hubby has moved on to Nick Cage 🙄🤣
Cage??? Now there’s a fascinating filmography! 🙂
It was more the story than him, he’s not on our list of go-to’s, but Captain Correlli’s Mandolin was a great book and they made the film with Cage in the lead role so we had to put up with him 🙂
It’s a cult classic. I remember the sequel being good also. Don’t forget Clarence Clemons as the God in the future! Who would have thought Keanu would become a superstar with a starting role like that (not sure it was his first role but the first one I remember him in.)
That’s right! The Clemons appearance is a hoot. I don’t remember anything about the sequel other than it’s funny name. It may be one worth a rewatch.
The only think I remember from the sequel is Bill running down a hall with some old woman (his grandma?) chasing him and trying to kiss him. It was scary! Oh yes, “Death”/Grim Reaper was after them.
HA! I’m already sold!
I enjoyed this film a lot. It’s so fun to watch as I just love seeing those 2 as they’re just good dudes that want to rock and have a good time but also had some morals. Plus, it had in my opinion one of the rare sequels that is better than the first as I really loved Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey in terms of its ambition, storyline, and having Bill and Ted face off against evil robot versions of themselves forcing the duo to make their own robots with help from Death.
It’s funny you mention Bogus Journey. I know I have seen it, but I don’t remember a single thing about it. That may be another movie I revisit this weekend!
I love Bill & Ted, the second film is great fun. William Sadler is excellent as the Grim Reaper.
So many have mentioned the sequel. I’ve seen it but I don’t remember anything about it. It sounds like I really need to give it the rewatch treatment.
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Sounds like fun! Especially with George Carlin and Keanu Reeves.
More fun than even I remembered. These Retro Reviews have been a blast.
This movie is a stalwart from my teens and I still love it to this day!
Oh I have so many of those 80’s movies from my teen years that I still adore. Sooooo many.
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