Phineas and Ferb: Candace Against The Universe - Stick With Them, They Do it All

It’s been 5 years since Phineas and Ferb ended, and almost 13 years since it premiered on Disney Channel; yet somehow this show still thrives and strives with all audiences. The series premiered when I was 14 years old, and I remember hating it at first. The whole idea of kids building roller coasters in a day, random side plots involving a Platypus and a mad scientist seemed very out of the ordinary to me. But over time, “Phineas and Ferb” came into it’s own through it’s silly and fun music, non-low brow comedy, and creative out of the box stories and adventures. It never was meant to be a Steven Universe or a Gravity Falls, but rather as a new form of Spongebob for a different generation. After all, one of the creators did work on Spongebob during the golden age of that show. I grew to appreciate how clever it was and how fun it could be as a stand-alone whimsical topsy turvy spectacle about how to make your Summer last forever. Or in P&F’s case, literally forever. How many episodes were there again?

But enough about the series. Now we have a brand new movie called “Candace Against the Universe”, which is said to be a lost adventure that takes place before the finale. After all this time, one would think a show like this would not age well. But I’m proud to say not this one. This new installment of the big eyed energetic siblings comes back into our lives as if not a day has gone by. The animation, hilarious jokes, charming music, and stellar storytelling have not lost a beat. Oh, and I forgot to mention the voice cast too. Seriously, what drugs is Alyson Stoner taking to still do that adorable squeaky voice at 27 years old?!

What’s even better though about this movie is while it still has that childlike wonder to it, I haven’t seen something Phineas and Ferb related with a more mature tone since maybe the 2nd Dimension movie or Summer Belongs to You. The writing deals with deeper issues, mainly focusing on Candance, that the original series never explored, which brings a brand new perspective to this franchise not seen by fans. It even has some really meta 4th wall jokes that even poke fun at the things I’ve made fun at for years. Along with that, the music is even better this time around, having songs written by great broadway personas like Karey Kirkpatick, Martin Olson, and Kate Micucci; along of course with the creators and familiar faces of the show.

All of this results in a super entertaining movie that still holds on to its childlike magical roots, while being even better than it was before. I love this show and I was even surprised at how good it turned out to be, and I know you'll all be too. All of this year makes us want to say “CURSE YOU 2020!” in that iconic Doof voice. But “Candace Against the Universe” will no doubt give you something to laugh and be happy about.

Two Nebs Up!