Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension (Dan Povenmire and Robert F. Hughes, 2011) Review

Nickelodeon's recent...'adjustments' to their only good show Legend of Korra (well, they have TMNT too, but that's on break) made me think about how great these cartoon channels were. However, I dove in a bit to find some more shows. Gravity Falls took my interest and now adore that show however Disney's other animated show also intrigued me and that was Phineas and Ferb. I think it's an endearing show, albeit a bit formulaic but there's a movie so, let's take a look at it.

It seems like just another day of summer as Phineas (Vincent Martella) and his step-brother Ferb (Thomas Brodie-Sangster...when he actually speaks) however their latest day plan sends them straight into the lair of Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz' (Dan Povernmire) lair. The boys help Dr. Doof's latest machine that sends them into an alternate dimension where Doof is ruler of the Tri-State Area. The boys' pet platypus, Perry (Dee Bradley Baker), interviens and reveals his secret identity as Agent P to them for the first time. Now Phineas, Ferb and Agent P have to find a way to return to their own dimension in one piece with the help of their alternate selves. Wow, writing that plot out was...really weird. 

I do have to congratulate the film on managing to not only capture the feel of an average episode but also up the stakes as a good "TV show: the movie" style film should do. However, this only applies to the main plot. The sub-plot about Phineas and Ferb's sister Candace (Ashley Tisdale) trying to work out where they've gone isn't that engaging and feels a bit too much like I'm just watching an episode. I'd rather they introduced her into the main plot earlier to save us the trouble. I'm also concerned about the absence of certain main characters such as Doof's daughter Vanessa and Norm is barely in it. In addition (or...the opposite of addition), for a film titled Phineas AND Ferb, it feels off that Phineas is the one to take on the alternate Doof while Ferb almost does nothing during the whole climax. Ferb being my favourite character from the show,

Now, the main thing about Phineas and Ferb that keeps me coming back and is probably the best thing about it is the music. The show has churned out some great and catchy tunes (my personal favourites being 'Aint' Got Rhythm', 'A-G-L-E-T' and 'Busted') and the movie is no different....mostly. For some reason, someone figured it was a good idea to start off with all the best songs meaning that the later half of the film's songs just aren't as good. 'Summer (Where do we begin)', 'Brand New Best Friend' and 'Everything's Better with Perry' are all in the first half...I can't even name the songs in the second half. However, the songs I mentioned are still great songs that I....may or may not have on my iPod...

Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the Second Dimension (that's a mouthful)  is a good enough attempt at a feature length Phineas and Ferb adventure. The music is great as always although all of the best songs are thrown out in the first half. The animation is about ont he same level as the show itself albeit a few scenes to look nicer with minor shading and other such effects. The voice acting is good, just as the show and..really that sums it up. "Just like the show". However, maybe it's TOO much like the show. Aw well.

Verdict:
6.5/10
While to feels WAY too much like the show, it does still capture what made the show enjoyable in the first place. 

And yes, Phineas facing front looks....scary...