An Interstellar Adventure Full of Humor, Music, and Hijinx
For several years, viewers were treated to the absolute joy of Disney’s animated series, Phineas and Ferb. It followed two brothers over the course of one summer as they constructed crazy devices, acted out amazing fantasies, sang catchy tunes, and tormented their sister every day. Meanwhile, their pet platypus, Perry, was a secret agent determined to thwart the evil scientist, Dr. Doofenshmirtz. In a sentence, it’s James Bond meets Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
In 2020, fans got to return to their world (and beyond), in Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe.
The Plot
Following another day where the boys build a giant device, sister Candace tries to bust them and show their mom their invention. She arrives too late as always. But suddenly, a giant robotic device appears in the front yard which Candace assumes is from Phineas and Ferb. When she and Doofenshmirtz’s daughter Vanessa get sucked into the device and into space, the brothers and their friends follow her to bring her home.
Going to space isn’t new to this crew. They did so several times during the show’s run. This time around, the circumstances are different. The boys aren’t going to space by choice. They’re choosing to do so to save their big sister. Candace’s involvement is considerably different also. Her goal isn’t to stop the boys. She’s driven by the feeling that the entire universe is against her.
As the story progresses, Candace finds out that her abduction was carried out by a strange alien race who believes that she is the Chosen One. She is introduced to their ruler, Super Super Big Doctor, who is also a female with two brothers who have driven her to extreme behavior. The two big sisters soon hit it off and Candace believes she’s found a kindred spirit.
Meanwhile, the boys work with Doofenshmirtz and their team of friends, Baljeet, Buford, and Isabella, to travel through space in an effort to save Candace. Perry follows, but he’s forced to strike a strange balance. The platypus can’t reveal his agent status to his host family, but he also has to use his abilities to help them succeed. (This dichotomy makes for a great action sequence right about midway through the movie.)
Eventually, the entire crew comes full circle as Candace realizes that Super Super Big Doctor isn’t the hero in her story. The whole cast has to work together to stop her from enslaving the entire human race, to save the world, and to right everything wrong in the universe.
The Cast
Fans of the show will recognize some of the wonderful voice actors returning for this movie. Ashley Tisdale carries the film as the manic protagonist, Candace. Vincent Martella reprises his role as Phineas. David Errigo, Jr. fills in as Ferb, who has more lines than usual and repeated gags with difficult dialogue. (Thomas Brodie-Sangster of the Maze Runner series originally played Ferb. He was unavailable for the film and Errigo stepped in.)
Show creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh delight as Doofenshmirtz and Major Monogram. Alyson Stoner is always charming as the perky Isabella. Maulik Pancholy (Baljeet), the elusive Bobby Gaylor (Buford), Dee Bradley Baker (Perry), and Olivia Olson (Vanessa) are welcome in their returns to the other space traveling heroes.
Comedian Caroline Rhea is always perfect as the children’s suburbanite mother. Rocky Horror Picture Show creator Richard O’ Brien is an odd choice for their dad, but he leans into the science-loving awkward father role. Ali Wong (Crazy Rich Asians) fits right in as the villain. Cameos include Wayne Brady, Diedrich Bader, Kelly Hu, Emo Philips, and John O’ Hurley.
The Music and More
Phineas, Ferb and the rest of the cast work best when there’s music, and this film is chock full of songs. The opening number, “Such a Beautiful Day”, really sets the tone as Candace bounces from a Monkees-esque upbeat song to a double-timed stream of consciousness about busting the boys. Other fun songs include “We’re Back” and the barber shop quartet style “Meet Our Leader.”
Viewers don’t have to be fans of the series to love the movie. Povenmire and Marsh are so in the pocket with these characters that they have crafted a story that requires no backstory. Other than some cool 3-D rendering, it’s almost as if the series never ended and the viewer experience didn’t change at all. Fans of the show will see plenty of easter eggs and references throughout the film, including several retellings of familiar jokes.
Conclusion
Candace Against the Universe is equal parts entertainment and nostalgia. Phineas and Ferb were the title characters of the series, but Candace was always the heart of the many intersecting worlds. This film gives her a chance to shine more than ever and really captures the emotion buried beneath the catchy songs and goofy physical comedy. It’s a must watch for fans of the series and for any family with a sense of adventure.