Directed By: Peter Hewitt
Written By: Chris Matheson & Ed Soloman
Cinematography By: Oliver Wood
Editor: David Finfer
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, William Sadler, George Carlin, Joss Ackland, Pam Grier, Hal Landon Jr., Sarah Trigger, Jim Martin, Taj Mahal, Primus
The world of our distant future is a veritable utopia, thanks to the lyrics of two simple-minded 20th Century rock and rollers, Bill S. Preston, Esq. and Ted "Theodore" Logan. However, a would-be conquerer threatens to throw history off-track by sending "most non-non-heinous" evil robot Bill and Teds back to kill their good counterparts. Finding themselves dead, the boys must outwit the Grim Reaper and traverse Heaven and Hell to return to the land of the living, rescue their "babes" and have a "most triumphant" concert at the all-important Battle of the Bands
The original title was "Bill and Ted go to Hell" but was changed because of American objections to the use of the word "hell".
Stephen Herek declined to return as director, because he thought it was "almost a parody of a movie that was already a parody".
This is a sequel not too many people saw coming as yes the first film was a hit, but this sequel while seeming a bit more forced. Just seems to revel in the off the Wall motif of everything involved and seems giddy with the chances they have in where they can take the film.
When it comes to this film while there is much more to love and it is more accomplished. I prefer the original for it’s newness factor. Here we are used to these characters and while the film offers a noticeably different story. It still doesn’t feel quite as fresh as the original. Though this one is stranger. It’s not a bad film just different In it’s own way
definitely can say that this film seems to benefit from a better budget. As the art direction is a lot more sharp and pleasing to the eye. Making the film seem more surreal overall. As the visuals stay with you.
While this film is futuristic it is also definitely a film of it’s time. Which is where the film’s weakness lies. This is a film where you can tell everyone had a lot of fun making. As all the actors are inspired even the leads seem more hung ho int their roles as maybe they understand the characters more.
As the leads get to play multiple versions of themselves and seem to have their characters more on a directional path. Where as in the first film they were teenagers who got a glimpse of the future. They still had time and plenty of room until then. Here we see them trying to get there and the otherworldly obstacles in their way.
This film has less of a necessary story then the first film which just seemed like an odd quirky high concept comedy. Here the film seems more inspired by the characters then the plot. As this film Plays more like a comedic nightmare for the characters. Though you can’t debt that the film is more vibrant if slightly more off center. As the film beers more into star Alex winter’s early short films and show on MTV, IDIOT BOX. As well as his feature film directorial debut FREAKED, in it’s strange and surreal humor. Where scenes seem partially like sketches that tie into the overall story. Especially in the hell sequences
William Sadler as death (his death character seemingly more inspired by Max Von Sydow in THE SEVENTH SEAL) steals the film with so much gusto and comedic highlights. That it is another performance that should have made him more in demand and lead to either more lead by roles or character actor roles. At least more comedic ones.
In this film there is very little time travel. Which is a relief as it leaves the film Not relying or rehashing the first films main focus. Making this sequel seeming more fresh.
This film though does feel more creative. As it takes more chances and seems a lot more fun. It’s like a fun house version of the first film. Where as this film shows it’s inspirations and seems more aimed at off the wall humor. Focused on it’s core younger audience. This film also introduced an actual villain for the two characters to face. Even though Joss Ackland claims he only too the role because he lost a bet.
These films always feel like a precursor or an inspiration to the WAYNE’S WORLD skit and movies. Which just like this film had a more surreal and overstuffed sequel. as well as BEAVIS & BUTTHEAD only more likeable.
film has an ending song that at the time felt iconic but listening to it now feels more melodramatic and embarrassing from the band KISS.
Grade: B-
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