Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

There are certain movies that you can watch when you're eight years old and watch them again when you're 30 and enjoy them just the same. Sure, these are rare, and are normally relegated to stuff like the Muppets or Star Wars, universally accepted movies that has an element of appeal to just about everyone. When one thinks about Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, one would probably not lump this in with movies like that. But after watching this today (admittedly on cable) for the first time in 5 or 6 years, I realized this film is just as much fun as it was when I was 8 years old and sitting in the theatre, mesmerized by the two cool dudes.

The plot goes something like this. Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves) are failing history class. The only way for them to not fail is to get an A on their final report. The night before their report is due, they are sitting outside a convenience store trying to figure out how they intend to pull this off, when a phone booth comes out of nowhere. Inside is Rufus (George Carlin) who explains to the boys that the phone booth is a time machine and the perfect way for them to pass their history project.

In the background is a secondary plot about how the boys change time and are the ultimate messengers of good or something along those lines. It's so ridiculous that there's almost no point in really paying attention to that part of the film.

On their journey, they encounter (and kidnap) such figures as Billy the Kid, Socrates, Napolean, and Abe Lincoln. They also fall in love with two medieval princesses and get themselves into all sorts of trouble.

The ending is predictable as can be, but the movie is just good dumb fun. The violence is certainly not heavy, the dirtiest word, for all you ultra sensitive PC people out there is "f*g," (god even Epinions won't let you use that word?) and while there are some sexual overtones, they are PG at most.

The acting of Reeves and Winter is OK at best. Winter hasn't really done much since this movie and it's sequel (Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey), although I have seen him in some things on PBS and he seems to have good character actor talent. Reeves, as well all know, has become sort of a leading man supreme in Hollywood, although it took him a few years to get away from the stigma that this film branded him with.

This movie won't change your outlook on life, or give you any serious message. The only real message to quote the film is "be excellent to each other," which is good advice no matter where you get it from. If you want a quick 90 minute ride of adventure, fun, and laughs, then this may be the perfect movie for you. Just don't let the drawn out cheerleader like "dudes" and "excellents" get to you. For this, I give the movie what is really 3.5 stars.

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8