71 reviews
This has to be one of the better feature-length adaptations of Disney Channel cartoons. As was the case with the first Phineas and Ferb movie, Across The 2nd Dimension, too often do these films rely on 'large-scale' action, without remaining faithful to the essence of the actual show, often for fear of just being an extended TV episode.
However, Candace Against The Universe is different, as it manages to tell an engaging feature-length story while still retaining the original show's brilliantly zany sense of humour and imagination. What's more, with a heartfelt story and an uplifting message in the end, it's a pleasant and joyful kids' movie that has something for all to enjoy.
But most importantly, if you've not seen Phineas and Ferb before, you'll be completely lost from the start of the movie. To its credit, this film is designed first and foremost for fans of the original series, and doesn't spend any time explaining the characters, their back stories and relationships.
That means it gets straight into the action, impressively using every second of its 86 minute runtime to tell a fun, action-packed story. If you've never seen Phineas and Ferb before, though, you'll likely be bemused at every second, from why the relationship between Candace and her brothers seems so strained to why they have a secret agent platypus for a pet.
Fans of the show, however, will love the heaps of references to the original cartoon, as well as its faithful revival of the series' core qualities. Unlike Across The 2nd Dimension, which often took itself a little too seriously, Candace Against The Universe is a feature-length episode of the show, with all the same humour, imagination and heart on display.
There is sci-fi and action that you wouldn't normally see in a 10-minute episode, but that's secondary to the film's fun factor. From non-sequitur jokes galore to moments of really surprising, heartfelt drama, this movie has pretty much everything that you love about the show, with the exception of some really catchy songs.
But the main thing that makes this movie so fun is that it really doesn't take itself seriously. The story isn't particularly thrilling, but it is entertaining and engaging throughout, even when it doesn't make a lick of sense. Couple that with a screenplay that puts faith in your connection to the characters, and Candace Against The Universe proves an utterly delightful watch from start to finish.
However, Candace Against The Universe is different, as it manages to tell an engaging feature-length story while still retaining the original show's brilliantly zany sense of humour and imagination. What's more, with a heartfelt story and an uplifting message in the end, it's a pleasant and joyful kids' movie that has something for all to enjoy.
But most importantly, if you've not seen Phineas and Ferb before, you'll be completely lost from the start of the movie. To its credit, this film is designed first and foremost for fans of the original series, and doesn't spend any time explaining the characters, their back stories and relationships.
That means it gets straight into the action, impressively using every second of its 86 minute runtime to tell a fun, action-packed story. If you've never seen Phineas and Ferb before, though, you'll likely be bemused at every second, from why the relationship between Candace and her brothers seems so strained to why they have a secret agent platypus for a pet.
Fans of the show, however, will love the heaps of references to the original cartoon, as well as its faithful revival of the series' core qualities. Unlike Across The 2nd Dimension, which often took itself a little too seriously, Candace Against The Universe is a feature-length episode of the show, with all the same humour, imagination and heart on display.
There is sci-fi and action that you wouldn't normally see in a 10-minute episode, but that's secondary to the film's fun factor. From non-sequitur jokes galore to moments of really surprising, heartfelt drama, this movie has pretty much everything that you love about the show, with the exception of some really catchy songs.
But the main thing that makes this movie so fun is that it really doesn't take itself seriously. The story isn't particularly thrilling, but it is entertaining and engaging throughout, even when it doesn't make a lick of sense. Couple that with a screenplay that puts faith in your connection to the characters, and Candace Against The Universe proves an utterly delightful watch from start to finish.
- themadmovieman
- Aug 27, 2020
- Permalink
I love Phineas and Ferb, and even thought the music in this one was mostly forgettable and the villain didn't exactly hit the mark, I still liked the movie. They talked more about Candace, which I liked. They didn't include Perry the Platypus as much as I wish they did, but I thought it was funny that Doof hung out with the kids. There was something off about Ferb's voice, maybe a different voice actor. Overall it was good, and my little brother loved it. 7/10
- harpertastic
- Aug 28, 2020
- Permalink
It's amazing to see how even after all these years phineas and ferb retains its charm. It's just so great to see the gang back together again
Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against The Universe check out as a movie that will definitely give you the vibes of nostalgia if you are an OG fan. The pacing feels a little bit fast in the beginning but overall it seems fine. The comic timing, humor, and songs, every single element of the movie tries to keep you on your seat the entire time. Overall it's a movie that you can definitely watch for at least once to enjoy the pure fun.
- pronitmallick
- Aug 30, 2020
- Permalink
I grew up watching this show, so I know that I'm clouded by nostalgia, but...
It was good, kind of felt like a little reunion for the fans and the characters. It had lots of references to older episodes that someone who hasn't seen most of the show wouldn't get, but I don't think they'll ruin the watching experience. Lots of good joke, although some didn't land, but that is to be expected with any comedy. There were a few pop culture references that will date the movie and maybe feel "cringe" (just 'cause I want to make this review feel dated). Has good pacing and doesn't slip too much at the third act, but it still does a little, although I'm not sure if that's because I started to feel restless at the 45 minute mark or the film ( I get restless at that point in all movies so...) it has a predictable story but is not hindered too much by that fact. Over all I enjoyed it, it was fun to watch with my parents and siblings, good pick for a family movie night.
- thebestoliviagraceofalltime
- Aug 29, 2020
- Permalink
I'm not ashamed at all to say I'm a 43yr old male and still get excited for this cartoon!!!!! It's awesome on all cylinders!!!! My kids and I enjoyed the series as well!!! They need to come back!!!
- ejha-87354
- Aug 28, 2020
- Permalink
- joshuaduffy-01406
- Aug 28, 2020
- Permalink
- littlenoah-12786
- Aug 28, 2020
- Permalink
Absolutely loved this show as a kid. This was not at all disappointing to my entire family and me
- reidh-68118
- Aug 28, 2020
- Permalink
- SofiaHedge
- Aug 28, 2020
- Permalink
This didn't need to be a movie, or even be made in the first place. It's just a rehash of the "Unfair Science Fair Redux" episode, where Candace also finds herself on Mars surrounded by aliens worshipping her as her queen. Same exact lessons and beats from the characters. To add insult to injury, the writers shoot themselves in the foot towards the end by showing a montage of every other time the series covered this movie's exact plot before, effectively proving this film is pointless.
There are lots of unfunny jokes added just to pad runtime, coincidently all these jokes tend to last extremely long and don't really deliver. Vanessa is only in the movie to say a single line to Candace at the beginning and conveniently isn't relevant for the remainder of the runtime until at the end when the writers decided she should discover a feature on Doofenshmirtz's inator that didn't exist until the end of the movie and that Doof somehow didn't know about.
The mass amount of 4th wall breaks were unnecessary, I didn't need meta jokes on Siri, the animation department, and current day isms like cell phones and tropes in movies of a similar caliber. The mass amount of references and nods to previous episodes felt less like clever acknowledgment of the show's prior episodes and more like desperate key jangling and, again, an attempt to pad the runtime even further. The movie literally replays a scene we just watched, where Phineas calls it his "favorite" memory. Talk about patting yourself on the back. Also, we get it, stop dropping the title of the movie in your movie.
Phineas and Ferb, the titular characters, are nearly worthless in this movie. After an hour of runtime, in which they are only seen chasing after Candace across the universe, the only payoff we get is them having a 1-minute dialogue with Candace. It is pointless. Candace / other characters solve most of the problems themselves without any help from Phineas and Ferb, or the rest of the gang for that matter.
The fact that Dan and Jeff didn't even want to make this movie in the first place and had to be convinced by Disney to make it after they asked for it (purely just to add more content to their service, by the way) is very telling and explains a lot of the issues I've listed above.
What a disaster. Don't understand why so many people are mindlessly praising it. There are 11 minute episodes better than this slop.
There are lots of unfunny jokes added just to pad runtime, coincidently all these jokes tend to last extremely long and don't really deliver. Vanessa is only in the movie to say a single line to Candace at the beginning and conveniently isn't relevant for the remainder of the runtime until at the end when the writers decided she should discover a feature on Doofenshmirtz's inator that didn't exist until the end of the movie and that Doof somehow didn't know about.
The mass amount of 4th wall breaks were unnecessary, I didn't need meta jokes on Siri, the animation department, and current day isms like cell phones and tropes in movies of a similar caliber. The mass amount of references and nods to previous episodes felt less like clever acknowledgment of the show's prior episodes and more like desperate key jangling and, again, an attempt to pad the runtime even further. The movie literally replays a scene we just watched, where Phineas calls it his "favorite" memory. Talk about patting yourself on the back. Also, we get it, stop dropping the title of the movie in your movie.
Phineas and Ferb, the titular characters, are nearly worthless in this movie. After an hour of runtime, in which they are only seen chasing after Candace across the universe, the only payoff we get is them having a 1-minute dialogue with Candace. It is pointless. Candace / other characters solve most of the problems themselves without any help from Phineas and Ferb, or the rest of the gang for that matter.
The fact that Dan and Jeff didn't even want to make this movie in the first place and had to be convinced by Disney to make it after they asked for it (purely just to add more content to their service, by the way) is very telling and explains a lot of the issues I've listed above.
What a disaster. Don't understand why so many people are mindlessly praising it. There are 11 minute episodes better than this slop.
- EatThatPie
- Sep 10, 2024
- Permalink
The show Phineas and Ferb (2007-2015) is a great show on Disney Channel that I recommend watching if you have not already and thought Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension (2011) was a great first movie. So, I was excited for the second movie Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe (2020) coming 5 years later after the show ended.
Phineas and Ferb the Movie-Candace Against the Universe (2020) is a great return for Phineas and Ferb, being just as fun as the show and just as funny with the same great characters.
Phineas, Ferb, Candace, Perry the Platypus, and Dr. Doofenshmirtz are still great and likable characters, while also being funny throughout. It starts out with them doing what they usually do in the show then things change, and they go on a fun adventure to rescue Candace.
The animation is still great and there lots of funny moments, there are some visual gags and will occasionally have some self-aware humor that was funny. The songs in the movie are catchy, fun, and are used at right moments.
There is a fun ultimate battle in the 3rd act and the movie ends with a nice tone. I recommend watching the show Phineas and Ferb (2007-2015) and Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension (2011) before Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe (2020), so you can enjoy it more and have fun with it.
Phineas and Ferb the Movie-Candace Against the Universe (2020) is a great return for Phineas and Ferb, being just as fun as the show and just as funny with the same great characters.
Phineas, Ferb, Candace, Perry the Platypus, and Dr. Doofenshmirtz are still great and likable characters, while also being funny throughout. It starts out with them doing what they usually do in the show then things change, and they go on a fun adventure to rescue Candace.
The animation is still great and there lots of funny moments, there are some visual gags and will occasionally have some self-aware humor that was funny. The songs in the movie are catchy, fun, and are used at right moments.
There is a fun ultimate battle in the 3rd act and the movie ends with a nice tone. I recommend watching the show Phineas and Ferb (2007-2015) and Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension (2011) before Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe (2020), so you can enjoy it more and have fun with it.
- MB-reviewer185
- Sep 22, 2022
- Permalink
- raben-81146
- Sep 21, 2022
- Permalink
I love watching the show!! My only complaint about the newest movie "Candace Against The Universe", is that the animation was not very good. Overall though, I loved it. The gang really needs to come back.
- judahwintersjr
- Mar 17, 2021
- Permalink
Just watched it and it was amazing. Made me come back to my childhood, the story is action packed, the animation is so fluid, the characters are great and the songs. Oh my gosh the songs are some of the best I've ever listened to for Phineas and Ferb. So good, I preordered the soundtrack to listen to them again. I know what you're gonna do today. Watch this movie on Disney+!
- danielprevell
- Aug 27, 2020
- Permalink
After seeing the trailer for this movie, i was looking forward to watching it. i grew up watching phineas and ferb and was really hoping for a nostalgic experience, but all i got was a fairly cringey poor attempt at a movie. the jokes we're predictable, the songs didn't give off their old vibe, and it just wasn't funny. quite frankly i didn't laugh once. i give disney some credit however. they didn't HAVE to make this movie but they still did. as much as i didn't particularly enjoy the movie, it was fairly nostalgic. i recommend watching it, just be prepared for disappointment :)
- thomasfanelli
- Sep 2, 2020
- Permalink
- titushowlett
- Nov 10, 2020
- Permalink
This was a charming and mostly entertaining movie. The music was quite good and engaging. I was particularly impressed with some of the voicework particularly from Ashley Tisdale who played Candace. Ali Wong was also great as the Super Super Big Doctor. Most of the kids voice-acting was good. A lot of the humor was goofy but still funny. Some of the scenes were a little drawn out and lame. But, it had a charm to it. It's a frivolous fun movie - great for the kids.
This film took what the original show did and put it to a whole new level; it stuck to its roots and did a damn good job at it.
The plot, songs, comedy and characters are so rich and alive with feeling and emotional impact. While I'm not a critic, I've seen my far share of badly adapted tv show movies and this is not one of them; this is one of the best, if not the best. This film brought me so much joy and happiness seeing these characters I grew up with go through a whole new adventure with an appropriately sized Disney budget. I'm pretty sure that this is one of the only feature length films in the last few years that's 2D animation, not 3D (something that I'm happy about).
Overall, I'm blown away. Despite not having worked on the show for 8 or so years, Dan and 'Swampy' manage to tell and engaging, happy, funny, deep and meaning story about the struggles of the whole universe being against you.
Absolutely amazing, 10/10
The plot, songs, comedy and characters are so rich and alive with feeling and emotional impact. While I'm not a critic, I've seen my far share of badly adapted tv show movies and this is not one of them; this is one of the best, if not the best. This film brought me so much joy and happiness seeing these characters I grew up with go through a whole new adventure with an appropriately sized Disney budget. I'm pretty sure that this is one of the only feature length films in the last few years that's 2D animation, not 3D (something that I'm happy about).
Overall, I'm blown away. Despite not having worked on the show for 8 or so years, Dan and 'Swampy' manage to tell and engaging, happy, funny, deep and meaning story about the struggles of the whole universe being against you.
Absolutely amazing, 10/10
- Cam4Sullivan
- Aug 28, 2020
- Permalink
"Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe" takes the beloved characters from the hit animated series on an intergalactic journey that is both hilarious and heartfelt. Directed by Bob Bowen, this film captures the essence of the original show while delivering a fresh and entertaining experience for fans and newcomers alike.
The story follows the determined and perpetually exasperated Candace Flynn, who finds herself abducted by aliens during an attempt to bust her mischievous brothers. As Phineas, Ferb, and their friends set out on a rescue mission across the universe, Candace discovers a world where she finally feels appreciated and understood. The film beautifully explores themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the importance of embracing one's unique qualities.
The humor in "Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe" is as witty and clever as ever, providing laughs for both young viewers and adults. The rapid-fire jokes, clever wordplay, and hilarious visual gags keep the film engaging and entertaining from start to finish. The animation is top-notch, with vibrant colors, imaginative character designs, and stunning galactic landscapes that bring the story to life.
What sets this movie apart is its ability to balance comedy with genuine emotion. The characters' relationships are at the heart of the story, and the heartfelt moments add depth and resonance to the lighthearted adventure. Candace's journey of self-discovery is particularly touching, as she learns valuable lessons about embracing her quirks and finding her place in the universe.
The voice cast, including Ashley Tisdale, Vincent Martella, Dan Povenmire, and Alyson Stoner, deliver fantastic performances, infusing their characters with charm, humor, and relatability. The film also features catchy musical numbers that are sure to have audiences singing along.
In conclusion, "Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe" is a stellar adventure that captures the spirit of the beloved TV series. With its blend of humor, heart, and memorable characters, this animated film is a must-watch for fans and a delightful introduction for newcomers. It's a joyous and uplifting journey that reminds us of the power of self-discovery and the importance of embracing our true selves.
The story follows the determined and perpetually exasperated Candace Flynn, who finds herself abducted by aliens during an attempt to bust her mischievous brothers. As Phineas, Ferb, and their friends set out on a rescue mission across the universe, Candace discovers a world where she finally feels appreciated and understood. The film beautifully explores themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the importance of embracing one's unique qualities.
The humor in "Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe" is as witty and clever as ever, providing laughs for both young viewers and adults. The rapid-fire jokes, clever wordplay, and hilarious visual gags keep the film engaging and entertaining from start to finish. The animation is top-notch, with vibrant colors, imaginative character designs, and stunning galactic landscapes that bring the story to life.
What sets this movie apart is its ability to balance comedy with genuine emotion. The characters' relationships are at the heart of the story, and the heartfelt moments add depth and resonance to the lighthearted adventure. Candace's journey of self-discovery is particularly touching, as she learns valuable lessons about embracing her quirks and finding her place in the universe.
The voice cast, including Ashley Tisdale, Vincent Martella, Dan Povenmire, and Alyson Stoner, deliver fantastic performances, infusing their characters with charm, humor, and relatability. The film also features catchy musical numbers that are sure to have audiences singing along.
In conclusion, "Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe" is a stellar adventure that captures the spirit of the beloved TV series. With its blend of humor, heart, and memorable characters, this animated film is a must-watch for fans and a delightful introduction for newcomers. It's a joyous and uplifting journey that reminds us of the power of self-discovery and the importance of embracing our true selves.
- sufyaanrashid95
- Aug 8, 2023
- Permalink
It's ok but it's a huge letdown considering how awesome across the 2nd dimension was. The humor is just not as funny and the music isn't as good. There's even a part where an alien starts flossing! Very disappointing.
- birdfan-15707
- Jan 15, 2021
- Permalink
I will start with saying that i never watched this tv show as a kid and since im 21 now i doubt i will watch it now anytime soon,but still since i was bored i decided to watch this film and i must say that i was more or less satisfayed with a final product..Story was fine and it had some great family moments in it and young kids and old fans will be happy with a time spent of a big or small screen.Animation was also fine for this kind of budget and voice acting was also impressive cause it is more a little know tv show and not some big budget animation project.
- marmar-69780
- Aug 29, 2020
- Permalink