Bill & Ted: More Than Just 'Be Excellent To Each Other'

Okay, so I finally got around to checking out Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. I know, I know, I'm late to the party! I knew it was a comedy and that Keanu Reeves was in it, but man, I didn't realize how...weirdly charming it is. I'm a director-focused guy, so not knowing who directed it going in (Stephen Herek, I looked it up after), makes it hard to pin down WHAT makes it work. It definitely has that late 80s Spielbergian vibe, though, ya know? Like a touch of E.T. absurdity only with time travel. The historical figures were hilarious, especially Napoleon trying to bowl! And the whole thing with the phone booth time machine is just so simple and effective. I’m a sucker for practical effects and not everything needed to be perfect. It allowed them to focus on the core of the movie: two lovable idiots who genuinely want to do good. Speaking of which...I always thought 'Be excellent to each other' was kinda cheesy, but in the context of the movie, it actually lands? It's such a pure and earnest sentiment. Maybe that's why it's stuck around for so long. Admittedly, the plot is kinda thin, but the sheer enthusiasm of Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves sells it. It's goofy, but never mean-spirited. It made me smile a lot. I can definitely see why it has a cult following. Also, I'm now invested in watching Bogus Journey, I'm curious to see if it holds up. Any thoughts on it from those who've seen it before?