Futurama: The Beast with a Billion Backs

Beware -- below, there be SPOILERS.


I've just finished watching this, and I'm feeling a world of mixed emotions at the moment.

While "The Beast With a Billion Backs" definitely had more laugh-out-loud moments than the previous feature, it lacks the emotional heart that made "Bender's Big Score" so satisfying. It also features some of the most inconsistent characterization ever seen in "Futurama".

In particular, I was really disappointed by the mishandling of Fry and Leela's relationship -- Cohen promised development when these films were announced, not regression. Why would they give Fry a new girlfriend right after breaking new emotional ground in the Fry/Leela relationship during "Bender's Big Score"? What's the point of showing us that these two can work as a couple if you're just going to stick Fry in a meaningless relationship with a polygamist and then have Leela berate him for 88 minutes?

Almost as annoying is the gross mishandling of Kif and Amy's relationship. It's true that Amy is a little fickle, but I never would have pegged her as being so crass as to sleep with Zapp mere moments after Kif's death. It presents the charter as intensely shallow (even more so than she actually is), and mars what was a sweet relationship throughout the second half of the series. I suppose one could argue that she was grieving and in pain, and Zapp offered comfort, but this is Zapp Brannigan we're talking about. If she'd slept with Fry it might have felt less forced.

The plot itself is pretty good, but it begins to stagnate around 3/4 of the way in. The subplot with Bender feels as though it continues to reiterate itself until such time that it becomes useful to the main plot (in the final act), and the whole thing really lacks the epic feel of the previous film. The story really didn't lend itself to big space battles or amazing revelations, although I will admit that the subjugation of Earth by a creature that just wants love is a really interesting (and somewhat disturbing) concept. The problem is that it just felt like an expanded episode rather than an epic movie, which is what it advertises itself to be. I think it could have easily been truncated into a 30 minute episode.

Having said all that, I do think the film was really enjoyable and I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment. But while this film succeeded in being funnier than "Bender's Big Score", it doesn't hold a candle on the character development or emotional fronts.

If I could give it 3 and 1/2 stars, I would. But as I can't, I'm going to be generous and give it a 4 out of 5.

Love Futurama, liked the movie, thought the other movie was better, but this was still enjoyable & recommend it for the Futurama fans.

I was surprised to read some of the reviews here for BBB. How could Futurama be getting such low ratings? Regardless of the reviews I was going to buy this DVD. I saw it today and I don't know why some people believe it sucks or it's not as funny as Bender's Big Score or doesn't live up to the show.

I laughed throughout the movie. I found no parts of it to be boring. I must say that the tentacle jokes were a little disgusting but it's not enough to make one stop watching. (They kinda reminded me of the tentacles in some hentai, lol) I throughly enjoyed this movie and found it to be funnier than Bender's Big Score. It was different and the jokes went a little farther than the usual Futurama style but that's what makes it great and something to appreciate. (the CG effects are really great) Why is everyone so afraid of change?

Unlike Bender's Big Score which was mostly a "will they, won't they be together" between Fry and Leela, BBB was about whether love should be hoarded by some or for everyone. I especially found the way "heaven" is explained rather interesting. Also, David Cross does a great job playing Yivo.

Plus the DVD comes with the Lost Episode from the Futurama video game and it is hilarious. Also the commentary for BBB is hysterical and explains quite a lot.

I'm so glad Futurama is back after so long and I can't wait for Bender's Game to come out. For the record, I didn't dislike Bender's Big Score. I want Fry and Leela to get together somehow, it's just the going back and forth that kinda annoys me.

Bottom Line: Give it a shot. It's worth it. If you still don't want to buy it, wait for Comedy Central to play it.

This is a good video for your Futurama collection. I watched this with my family and the laughs were not forced. I'm giving this a 5/5 even though I thought it was a little bit below par. I don't believe knowledge of the TV series is particularly helpful (it's self-describing) and if you are a fan of Futurama, you shouldn't be disappointed.

Deathday by Eugene Bruce would be better! Maybe, maybe not who knows actually, futurama is far far superior but being an impoverished author i won't apologise for shamelessly promoting my debut novel Deathday by Eugene Bruce - I'd very much appreciate you checking it out that's DEATHDAY by EUGENE BRUCE - I love you America!