Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe
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Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe is a surprisingly wholesome animated sci-fi adventure comedy -- featuring the iconic immature teens Beavis and Butt-Head -- with wall-to-wall innuendo and cartoon violence. The plot centers around the duo -- both voiced by Mike Judge -- traveling through a wormhole from 1998 to 2022. As seen in previous outings, the pair giggle at anything that could be remotely sexual. They are harmless and naive in their pursuit of sex, especially in contrast to corrupt and dangerous authority figures. There is occasional violence, mostly slapstick. But a fantasy Heavy Metal inspired dream sequence features decapitations with a sword. Language and cuss words includes the likes of "nads," "ass," and "butthole." Gross-out humor includes a character barfing in zero gravity and a character put head first in a toilet.
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What's the Story?
In BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD DO THE UNIVERSE, a chance to visit NASA in 1998 results in the giggling duo -- both voiced by Mike Judge -- passing through a wormhole into 2022. An astronaut with a secret from their fateful flight is not keen to see them and will do anything to keep them from speaking.
Is It Any Good?
The original format for the pair of snarky, giggling teens sat on a sofa commenting on music videos worked so well because, despite all their silly, immature flaws, they were great company. The revival of this duo in the 21st century only highlights how harmless they are, and -- believe it or not -- Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe is actually quite wholesome. Despite finding innuendo in almost anything.
Starting the story just before the gigantic internet revolution and then catapulting them into 2022, there is a wealth of comedy material available but only the rarest gems are mined. The movie never settles for the easiest, simplest joke or observation about smartphones, Siri, and other previously unimaginable things that have become part of everyday life. Instead it finds new ways to bring these to the fore, as well as great takes on White privilege, gender issues, and mansplaining. Non-stop misunderstandings drive the story forward. Alongside the frequently hilarious, non-stop innuendo, of course.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the humor in Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe. Did you find the innuendo funny? What do you think makes it a popular form of comedy? Is it OK to joke about taboo subjects or should some be left alone?
Talk about the language used in the movie. Did you think there was too much or was it realistic of how some teens talk?
Discuss the cartoon violence. Did the fact that it was animated, and the general tone of the film, make it less impactful? Why, or why not? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Talk about how the world has changed from 1998 to 2022. What were some of the differences highlighted in the movie? What might be different in another 24 years time?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: June 23, 2022
- Cast: Mike Judge, Gary Cole, Andrea Savage
- Directors: Albert Calleros, John Rice
- Studio: Paramount+
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Friendship, Space and Aliens
- Character Strengths: Compassion
- Run time: 87 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: December 22, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-Head
Fine-tuned '90s reboot keeps it strictly lowbrow.
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King of the Hill
Wickedly funny at times, but not for all tastes.
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Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
Silly time-capsule comedy ideal for older tweens.
For kids who love quirky comedy
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