I have watched many people, myself included, struggle to figure out the difference between being a child and being a young adult. The comparisons and arguments are endless for this topic, and yet, that’s what makes it so fascinating to me. After all this time, it seems I am unable to escape the allure of the simple things that children get to experience everyday: drawing chalk, eating mac n cheese like it’s its own food group, and even watching cartoons. 

I don’t particularly remember watching that many cartoons growing up. However, even I can not deny the fact that some animated TV shows are simply so comedic to not be enjoyed by all ages. This especially applies to old childhood favorites, like Phineas and Ferb. 

Disney has brought back the classic cartoon many times over the years in different movies. In 2020, they released their latest addition to the Phineas and Ferb franchise: Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe. 

When turning shows such as Phineas and Ferb into movies like they did, Disney is able to reach a much greater audience. They speak to the younger generation that is experiencing the fictional world of Danville for the first time, but then, of course, they also speak to the loyal viewers who watch for the feeling of nostalgia. 

Although the younger children might be easy to please as they have nothing to compare it to; the high school students and young adults of the world are ready to examine everything in detail in order to decide if it meets their standards. 

There were many things about the movie that I enjoyed. The majority of the original voice actors reprised their roles to play the iconic characters once more. This included Ashley Tisdale who voices Candace, the main character in the movie.

In the movie, Candace has had enough of her mom not believing her every time she reveals that  Phineas and Ferb do something wrong. This is exactly what happens in every episode of the show, but this time instead of ending the episode with nobody believing her, the movie starts with the aftermath of people putting her down for being outshined by her brothers. 

The sibling rivalry is a concept that many relate to, but when using such a common storyline, it needs to be backed up with some good jokes. 

Something as light-hearted as this is mainly to provide comedic relief. Many of the more humorous scenes, although funny, appeared to be slightly more forced in the movie compared to the show. 

Comedic timing is everything—it’s also something that can be hard to portray in animated movies—and I am not certain that this movie really captured its full potential in terms of being funny. 

Another common problem when creating movies based on a platform and universe that already exists are the plot holes and repetition. For example, fans were quick to notice how odd it was that Candace was acting as if this was her first time being in charge of a foreign planet when, in reality, she is already the Queen of Mars, according to the TV show.

The movie’s few faults are inevitable. However, they did not hold me back when watching the movie. I still found the attention-grabbing plot comedic enough to be a good movie.

Whether it’s your first time in the Phineas and Ferb universe, or you’re a frequent visitor, this film will make you smile as you relax and enjoy the simplicity of a good cartoon.