New Bill & Ted: Two ?80s dudes have no business working this well in 2020

And, good lord, things like Revenge of the Nerds wouldn't be greenlit in 100 years if pitched this century.All of that—plus Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull—made "caution" the correct reaction when the long-rumored "Bill & Ted 3" finally transitioned to reality in March 2019.Further ReadingA most excellent interview: The team behind Bill and Ted Face the MusicKind of a buddy comedy, high school slacker movie, and time travel adventure all wrapped into one absurd package, the original Excellent Adventure remains something I adore. Even those with pre-destined, Earth-saving greatness can use a little practice from time to time.So maybe it shouldn't be a surprise that Bill and Ted Face the Music—the series' latest film simultaneously released this weekend in theaters and via VOD (~$20 to rent on most platforms)—so seamlessly shifts our most excellent heroes into modern times. But if you also already have a soft spot for the Wyld Stallyns, hop in your nearest phone booth, dial up the infinite, and prepare for another charming, over-the-top and surprisingly poignant ride through time.Face the Music takes place 25 years after the events of Bogus Journey, and Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves) have stuck with their history-shaping music careers. When she charters an interdimensional pod for San Dimas to let Bill and Ted know time has started to run out, the race is on to finally deliver a savior single—or die trying.Saying anything more about the story might spoil the fun, and Face the Music exists to deliver fun. Reeves and Winter demonstrate repeatedly they haven't lost their comedy chops after all the years and many divergent Hollywood gigs, and some of these sequences stand among the film's funniest (silliest) moments.All of the new cast additions feel natural in the Bill & Ted universe, but in particular Lundy-Paine and Weaver really do Billie and Thea justice. Instead of Bill and Ted loving each other unironically (still a thing, even if it jeopardizes their marriage), Face the Music extends that unabashed care to father-daughter relationships, too.