I have seen only a couple of episodes of the Disney Channel’s Phineas and Ferb television series, but when I had the opportunity to watch the newly released movie and write a review on it, I seized it. I admit, my primary interest in the movie and the show is Perry the Platypus. I just love him.
The series follows the adventures of Phineas Flynn and his stepbrother Ferb Fletcher as they enjoy every day of their summer vacation to the fullest. Their older sister Candace constantly tries to get them in trouble, and Perry, their pet platypus, is a secret agent who constantly battles the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz.
The film follows that same basic storyline, but the stakes are much higher. Phineas, Ferb, and Perry follow Dr. Doofenshmirtz into an alternate universe with the aid of his “Otherdimensionator.” There, they encounter a much more diabolical Dr. Doofenshmirtz who has taken over the Tristate Area with an army of robots, and he’s even brought the alternate universe Perry over to the dark side. Oh, and the alternate Perry is also bionic.
The non-bionic Perry is forced to reveal his secret identity when the lives of Phineas and Ferb are endangered, but this is a tremendous sacrifice to him. Phineas is hurt that Perry has lied to them for all this time, but they don’t have time for a heart to heart talk because the diabolical Dr. Doofenshmirtz is trying to open a portal to the “real” world in order to conquer it, as well.
Meanwhile, the resistance is growing against the Doctor in this conquered parallel dimension, and it’s led by a tough Candace who puts the lives of her younger brothers ahead of everything else. She is a tough, no-nonsense gal who is nothing like the Candace in the “real” world.
I really enjoyed this movie. The songs are catchy (especially the opening number about Perry), and the dialogue is witty. Some things may go over children’s heads, such as references to a Georgia O’Keefe and existentialists such as Kierkegaard, Sartre and Nietzsche, but this makes it a movie that any age will love.
I also don’t think it’s necessary to be acquainted with the television series to enjoy the movie, either. There is even some back story, such as how the brothers acquired Perry from the pet store. Fans of the series will definitely love it, and I heartily recommend it.