After 26 years (and one reboot series later), Beavis and Butt-Head return, though instead of a cinematic outing, they have made their way to the streaming world of Paramount+. For its 25th anniversary, I covered my thoughts on Beavis and Butt-Head Do America, one of my favorite comedies. Needless to say, it still held up with its dimwitted approach to a thrilling plot. Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe shows us that the boys still have what it takes in a world afraid to dip its toes in offensive territory. Not much has changed about Mike Judge’s iconic creations, for they are just as rude and sexual as ever; laughing at over every bit of innuendo they could possibly notice. It is the comedy we need to get through the roughness of 2022.
Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe takes place in 2022, where the boys (Voiced by Mike Judge) find themselves after a mission in space causes them to land in a black hole, which transports them to Galveston, Texas from 1998, where they learn about modern technology, yet not entirely catching on. That is, but a minor plot point in a film whose mission is to see both Beavis and Butt-Head score, as they say. Their main target of affection is that of governor, Serena Ryan (Voice of Andrea Savage), who was on that botched mission that Beavis and Butt-Head were a part of, nearly leaving her stranded with the rest of her crew. While the feds are also hot on their tail, as their unexpected arrival leaves them to suspect that the duo are aliens from another planet. Of course, guiding Beavis and Butt-Head are two alternate versions of themselves who have more intellect than the boys themselves.
While it may sound like a lot to unpack, the premise of Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe is simple. The journey that Beavis and Butt-Head take is one that leads to many laughs. Though it may be easy to tire of their juvenile antics, jackass behavior, and immature sense of humor, the real likability comes from the goofiness of two dimwitted teenagers unable to comprehend what is in front of their faces, leading to a series of misunderstandings. It is the cleverness of the writing that made Beavis and Butt-Head Do America work as a true blue comedy classic. After 26 years, it is safe to say that Judge has not lost his touch. For better or worse, Beavis and Butt-Head are here to stay and will maintain their place for all time in pop culture history.
GRADE: A-
Jon Spencer Reviews 