The iconic red hair and purple bike race across the screen as I sit in anticipation. Ready to be immersed in an hour and 26 minutes of pure nostalgia, I get ready to sing the familiar childhood theme with which I’ve grown up. But as I open my mouth, I am cut off as a different musical number begins.
This was the first of many pleasant surprises in the new movie “Phineas and Ferb: Candace Against the Universe,” which was recently released on Disney+.
In this reboot, Phineas and Ferb go on yet another exciting adventure. When aliens capture Candace, the two boys and their group of friends embark on a high-stakes journey into space to bring her back home.
Except for Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who played the voice of Ferb, the characters are played by the entire original cast. The chemistry that has grown between the castmates since the start of the television show in 2007 comes through the screen, creating a dynamic and full-of-life film.
Additionally, one of my favorite parts of the “Phineas and Ferb” franchise has been that it always adds something fun for the older audience that may be watching. I was happy to find that this new film is no exception. It does an excellent job of engaging all audiences by adding cutaway gags and keeping the humor dated.
As a 5-year-old when the show first premiered, I immediately fell in love with the characters, especially Perry the Platypus. I mean, what 5-year-old doesn’t want to believe their pet was secretly a spy? As a child, I grew up with a grudge against Candace for always trying to bust her brothers, and at the end of each episode, I was filled with relief when she failed.
However, in this movie, the writers focused on Candace’s insecurities compared to her brothers. As an audience member, it is clear that issues have been building up in her character for many years, and now that I am older, I sympathize with her. I think the writer’s primary purpose in this movie was to show that not everything is perfect, even in an animated world.
Unlike the previous movie that came out “Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension,” this movie didn’t have as many cinematically pleasing shots, but the animation was just as advanced. It was clear that “Phineas and Ferb: Candace Against the Universe” was primarily made to show Candace’s development. The writers, Dan Povenmire and Jeff Marsh, said that they always felt like Candace was the show’s central character, not Phineas or Ferb. If any character were to get a redemption arc, it would be her, as the boys’ antics are more to drive the plot forward.
When I asked my two brothers what they thought of the movie, my 9-year-old brother said it was very cool, and he liked the characters’ funny noses. While that point is very compelling, my 18-year-old brother disagreed and said he thought it was funny, but he didn’t see the purpose in making it, and it felt more like a cash grab.
I agree with both points, but I think the movie was made for a particular audience, and for that intended group, it was an entertaining movie.
Even though it might not have been the original plan, by releasing the movie during these times, I think it resonates with the audience more because “Us Against the Universe” is a perfect way to sum up everyone’s 2020.
Overall, if you are looking for a good laugh, a sense of nostalgia, or a way to take up some time, “Phineas and Ferb: Candace Against the Universe” is a perfect choice.
Rating: [star rating=”4″]
