'Beavis and Butt-Head Do The Universe' review: Animated doofuses head to the future in silly comedy

Courtesy of Paramount+

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Dissecting black holes, going through vigorous NASA training, and dealing with various laws of space and time aren’t themes one expects to encounter firing up “Beavis and Butt-Head Do The Universe,” the formidable return of the animated duo best known for their obsession with sex, heavy metal, and nachos. Creator Mike Judge returns to the characters that helped make him a household name 26-years removed from their last big-screen experience, “Beavis and Butt-Head Do America” and 30 years since they debuted on the small screen. Now a Paramount+ exclusive, “Do The Universe” puts a silly, irreverent spin on the much employed “multiverse” concept we’ve seen as of late, introducing the stoners to a new generation without compromising its roots.

Though “Do The Universe” dapples with some complicated themes, this is Beavis and Butt-Head and at the end of the day, it still revolves around two horn-dog teenagers whose idea of fun is to kick each other in the testicals until they pass out. Still supplying Butt-Head’s low growl and Beavis sillier giggle, Judge returns to voice the characters (how could he not) which sees them literally traveling through space via a black hole after being “sentenced” to attend space camp. Even more hilarious is how a gorgeous astronaut (voiced by Andrea Savage) mistakes the boys’ obsession with a suggestive docking procedure for newfound scientific ingenuity.

“Do The Universe” is a major leap thematically for the dynamic duo, covering a wider swath as opposed to their usual, minimalist adventures. Seeing how the characters adapt from 1998 to 2022 is also quite funny, even if the scatalogical humor and sexed-up innuendos overstay their welcome. A memorable (and surprisingly thoughtful) bit involves Beavis talking into an I-Phone and thinking he’s having an intimate conversation with the girl of his dreams when in reality, it's just Siri. Another sequence see’s the dudes using the same I-Phone (presumably equipped with Apple Pay) to buy an unprecedented amount of nachos and cheese which is set to the iconic anthem “Make It Rain.”

Nice to know that while times may change, Beavis and Butt-Head do not. They’re still a squirrely pair hopped up on the sugar high that one day they’ll actually get laid and lose their virginities (wishful thinking for anyone who follows the series). They may not grow as people, but they’re ready to please and Judge keeps the spotlight on the tomfoolery fans have come to expect from a “Beavis and Butt-Head” adventure. And honestly, what more could you ask for.

Grade: B-

BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD DO THE UNIVERSE debuts on Paramount+ Thursday, June 23rd.