Like everyone who grew up in the 80's, this film was a childhood favorite of mine. But like so many others, I forgot about it as I grew up, and wrote it off as just a "stupid 80's comedy"...which it is. But I just bought it on iTunes and watched it again after so many years, and it all just came back to life! I loved it all over again, and for many reasons I couldn't see when I was a kid. Yes, it IS a stupid, teen-comedy, with childish, asinine humor, chock-full of mistakes and faulty logic... BUT SO WHAT???
There are underlying themes and messages in this film that make it stand apart. We've got these two bumbling heroes, who one might think are stoners, perhaps even call them "stupid." But they're really not stupid, and there's no reference to any kind of drug or alcohol use. They're just bumbling, kind-hearted, lovable fools - not "stupid," but fools. Just listen to their most non-heinous vocabulary, and remember that they are destined to become great musicians and essentially save the world of the future, and you'll see. It's one of those movies that says "If the world makes you feel like a loser, just some stupid going-nowhere kid, you CAN still fulfill your dreams and be MOST TRIUMPHANT."
Indeed, within this "childish 80's comedy" we are taught to "BE EXCELLENT TO EACH OTHER" and to "PARTY ON DUDES!" And so it should be. Bill and Ted are essentially good, innocent, nice young dudes. They aren't mean, rude, sarcastic or profane - They can be enjoyed by the whole family. Everyone can appreciate the messages given here, while laughing along at the silliness. I wish they hadn't stopped after #2. Guess Keanu felt he was too big a star to keep type-casting himself as this buffoon, but it would have been great. And no matter how questionable part 2 is, the characters are so affable and so entertaining, it's an absolute classic. A wolf in sheep's clothing. A truly great film for the ages, disguised as just another exploitative teen-comedy...
I'm right and anyone who disagrees with me is wrong! So sayeth Jesse (: