Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension
August. 05,2011Phineas and Ferb get trapped in an alternate dimension where the evil Doofenshmirtz rules the tri-state area. They must find a way back home with the help of their pet platypus named Perry, who they discover is a secret agent.
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Even though some of the later season episodes weren't as funny and imaginative as the earlier ones, 'Phineas and Ferb' became a favourite when first introduced to it in 2009 or so. Eight years on, despite being finished, 'Phineas and Ferb' airs regularly on the Disney Channel and it's still a pleasure and one of their best shows in a long time.Although starting with an original concept, the stories in terms of structure are based around the same formula mainly. The ideas and situations however have enough variety to avoid it becoming too repetitive, while it looks good, has one of the catchiest theme tunes of any show in recent years, has wonderful, clever and funny writing, interesting and entertaining character relationships and characters that are easy to like. As likable as the two protagonists are and Candace is more than the stereotypical, tell-tale older sister that she seems, the scene stealers are adorable and funny Perry the Platypus (another example of mastery of actions and expressions registering hugely without uttering a word) and hilariously loony and incompetent Doofenschmirtz.It was inevitable that 'Phineas and Ferb' would get its own feature film, and it richly deserved it with characters and writing strong enough to warrant one. 'Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension' more than does the show justice and as far as films based on Disney Channel shows not released in theatres it's one of the best there is, proof too that 'Phineas and Ferb' had not lost its mojo at this point.Maybe the pacing is a little too fast on occasions, especially in the second half, and the finale is rather overblown and descends too much into silliness (something that the rest of the film avoided, so it was a shame). Flaws aside, 'Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension' is absolutely perfect for existing fans of the show and does a very good job in its attempt to attract a wider audience which shows that the film works on its own too. Children will love it and there is plenty for adults to enjoy, if anything adults or older fans will appreciate the story and humour more most likely.The animation is good and true to the animation style of the show but with a little more visual invention thanks to having a premise that allows for that to happen. It's simple but never simplistic, it's all vibrant in colour and the attention to detail is often marvellous. The music is catchy with some clever lyric writing, despite loving the infectious music in the show there was the fear that the music wouldn't be to my taste here, having heard polarising opinions on it, but coming from someone raised on classical music and opera it was right up my street.'Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension' is particularly good in the writing, characters and character relationships. The writing is remarkably intelligent, witty, inventive and clever with cracking puns and one-liners and references that will delight older audiences. All in the spirit of the show. The characters are both interesting and likable, it has been said that Phineas is out of character, and he is (showing a side to him that has never happened in the show), but one can understand why if anybody knows what its like for someone you love and trust is not who they seem while also understanding Perry's point of view.The characterisations of Perry and Doofenschmirtz are on point and stay true to their original personalities, and Candace's subplot actually to me was crucial in her development while not being as interesting as the rest of the story. The interactions are a joy all round, especially Phineas/Ferb, Phineas/Perry and Perry/Doofenschmirtz.Really liked the story. The fast paced energy of the show's story-lines are intact as are the inventiveness, the characterisations and relationships. Even better was how well 'Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension' did in opening things up with all the ingredients that made the show work so well intact while having the alternate dimension concept that gave the film a darker, bigger and edgier approach. This concept was intriguing and gave a suitable amount of tension and fun. The alternative universe versions of the characters are creepy and entertaining. It even has a touching moment with the reconciliation scene that warmed the heart too.Voice acting is typically terrific, particularly from Vincent Martella (Phineas), Ashley Tisdale (Candace) and Dan Povenmire (Doofenschmirtz).Overall, a real pleasure and complements 'Phineas and Ferb' perfectly. 9/10 Bethany Cox
I love Phineas and Ferb. I saw my first episode a little later than most people have, but ever since I've been pretty obsessed with it. But the problem with making a movie out of a TV show is that it has to be good. Really good. Otherwise it just doesn't work. The one thing that disappointed me most though was that during half the movie, Phineas was acting completely out of character: he was angry. Really angry. Almost to the point of holding a grudge. And he went on and on about it too. I had assumed when I'd heard about the movie's storyline that when Phineas found out that Perry was a secret agent, there'd be a sarcastic, stressful moment and then Phineas would smile and say, "Cool!", with his goody-two-shoes, meek and ambitious personality. His frustration was poorly done as well. Instead of making the viewer think, "Wow! Phineas is mad! He must really care about this!" the way it does in the special, "Summer Belongs to You!", the plot gives the impression of, "This is a completely normal reaction to discovering that your pet platypus has been dueling with a hunchback pharmacist for the past five years." Phineas isn't normal. His having a normal reaction dampers on his characterization. The second thing that drove me bonkers about the movie is that it's actually sad at the end. Phineas and Ferb will never remember their crazy encounter with their pet secret agent, but Perry will. Perry now knows what it's like to be treated like an equal by the boys. After the boys are brainwashed, they will treat Perry like an animal again, seeing him as less of a friend and more of a pet. Darn, I feel sorry for Perry! He's lost a whole side of the relationship with his two best friends. The movie's humor wasn't spectacular, but it was pretty good. The plot wasn't inspiring nor did it contain any greater meaning, but it was definitely thrilling. Overall, however, I thought that this movie was worse than "Summer Belongs to You!". It's good to know that the show will go on as if nothing has happened, but the effects of the adventure on Perry will also be forgotten. My respect for Phineas and Ferb has decreased, but it's not destroyed. If the creators of the show keep up the good work and redeem themselves in the episodes, my obsession may return. :)
Step-brothers Phineas and Ferb have had a lot of great adventures over the course of their summer (ex. Traveling through time (twice) Building a Roller Coaster and going around the world in a single day) but this one seems to take the cake. There's a good helping of action, and enough jokes to keep viewers young and old laughing. I was very impressed by this Disney Channel production, because, not only was it so much better than any of the other original movies but it was even better than a lot of the actual episodes of it's own TV series. Which is saying a lot because the TV series is groundbreaking entertainment with phenomenal writing and animation. I never thought I'd say this but: Bravo Disney Channel!
Going into it, I figured this movie would be pretty decent, seeing as it's Phineas and Ferb. But alas, I was wrong. It was GREAT. 'Across the 2nd Dimension' stayed extremely true to the show. It has the same fun, wild, free spirit and takes you for one heck of a ride. You get to experience an entirely new dimension of the Phineas and Ferb world, one where Doofenshmirtz isn't so doofy. At first it seems cool, but the gang later realizes how grateful they are for their own dimension-and their platypus.Spoil anything I will not, so give this one a watch. Trust me, you won't regret it. It will have been well worth your time.A must see for die-hard fans and casual fans alike. A solid 10/10.