After the untimely cancellation of Matt Groening’s smart sci-fi series Futurama, it was finally decided that there was enough demand for a series of four direct-to-DVD movies that brought back the original cast and writers of the show.
The first installment, Bender’s Big Score, was released last year. And now, on June 24th, we’re in for another animated treat.
The Beast With a Billion Backs continues the story of everyone’s favorite Futurama characters. The universe has recovered from the trauma of the previous film (sort of), and Fry has a new girlfriend (!). Meanwhile, Kif has asked Amy to marry him – er, rather, be his “Fonfon Ru.” But when Fry moves in with Colleen, he finds out that she’s a bit of a polygamist.
Meanwhile, warring scientists Farnsworth and Wornstrom fight for the right to explore the doorway to another universe, created by the careless time travel from the previous film. And Bender, of course, has his own adventure involving the mythical League of Robots.
Stuart O’Connor of Screen Jabber has reviewed an advance copy of of the DVD, and says:
But again comes the big question: is it funny? Yes indeed. Is it funnier than the first one? Again, yes indeed. All those who complained that Bender’s Big Score lacked laughs will be eating their words this time round. But a couple of minor quibbles (which led to giving this 4 stars instead of 5). Like Bender’s Big Score, the Beast With a Billion Backs seems a little too geared towards the Futurama fans (of which, admittedly, I am one). And to survive on DVD, I think it needs to appeal to a broader audience and pick up some new fans. Plus, it seems a little like 3 episodes joined together to reach feature length — more so than the first one. But minor quibbles they are — this is still Futurama, and it still rocks. Oh, and Fry becomes the Pope of a new religion. Love the tentacle!
As someone who found Bender’s Big Score a little disappointing, I’m looking forward to The Beast With a Billion Backs. Perhaps it will reach the heights of greatness achieved only by episodes like Jurassic Bark, and – sniff – The Sting.
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