Phineas and Ferb: Candace Against the Universe released on Disney+ on Aug. 28, and despite high anticipation due to the show ending in 2015, failed to meet expectations.
Phineas and Ferb: Candace Against the Universe lacks in multiple departments. Songs are forgettable and jokes feel like desperate attempts to relate to the movie’s Generation Z and younger millennial audience. “Adulting” sung by Dr. Doofenshmirtz unfortunately manages to check off both of those boxes.
The rest of the songs don’t make enough of an impression on the audience to even remember the chorus. Another desperate attempt at a joke includes a character “flossing,” which already makes the movie feel outdated.
Despite this, the plot of the movie is almost perfect. Candace feels invisible in the presence of her brothers, and while trying to “bust” them, she gets abducted by aliens. On the new planet, she is known as the “Chosen One,” and all of the inhabitants adore her.
However, fans of the franchise may recognize the plot from the episode “Unfair Science Fair Redux” or the song “Queen of Mars.” In that episode, Candace goes to another planet where aliens admire her every move and she does not have to worry about her little brothers.
Although obvious similarities exist, the movie continues with a few differences. Phineas and Ferb witness Candace’s abduction and enlist the help of their friends to save her. They even team up with Dr. Doofenshmirtz as aliens also abducted his daughter, Vanessa.
Audiences watch as Candace grows as a person. Candace starts the film jealous of her brothers. She wants the universe to pay attention to her instead of Phineas and Ferb. After she starts to get the attention she wanted, she realizes she only needs her brothers’ love.
Director Bob Bowen’s vision for the screenplay written by Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh became clear. He progresses the film’s plot and character development in a straightforward yet artistic way. Audiences can easily make out the point of each scene under his direction.
The film is starpacked as comedians Ali Wong and Tiffany Haddish join the cast. While Haddish doesn’t voice a character, she makes an impression on audiences as “The Sound Someone Makes When They Explode From The Waist Up.” Audiences only hear Haddish say the word “Candace.” Wong takes on the villain role as she voices Super Super Big Doctor. Both women stand out in an otherwise forgettable movie.
Phineas and Ferb: Candace Against the Universe fails to deliver effective comedy and music, only the cast and Candace’s emotional journey save the film from boring audiences.
Do not go out of the way to watch this. However, if it’s the only movie on or one is looking for a simple family flick, the movie isn’t completely unbearable.
Hilights:
Movie: Phineas and Ferb: Candace Against the Universe
Price: $6.99 Disney+ subscription, no additional charge
Starring: Vincent Martella, Ashley Tisdale, Ali Wong, David Errigo Jr, Alyson Stoner, Dan Povenmire, Maulik Pancholy, Tiffany Haddish
Genre: Animated Adventure Comedy
Available On: Disney+
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars