Bigger Than Bender's Big Score

One complaint that many reviewers/fans had about the first Fururama direct-to-DVD movie was its lack of Zapp Brannigan. Not to worry; the inept starship captain (and William Shatner parody) is back in force in the series' second film, "Beast With A Billion Backs."

In fact, this Futurama outing makes many improvements over the first DTV movie. For one, the pacing is much improved. Instead of feeling like three episodes cobbled together to form a feature film, "Beast With A Billion Backs" actually feels like a movie. Not to mention the fact that many fan favorites -- both familiar and obscure (wink, wink) -- make reappearances in this film.

As Zapp himself would say, no Futurama fan can resist the "sexy, sexy appeal" of this fantastic movie.

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Fun for Futurama Fans

Although this is the second movie in the 'post-series' movie set, it is my personal favorite. It is more true to the original feel and theme of the first four seasons. The story is consistent and reasonable (well, as reasonable as these guys can be). In addition to the usual outstanding cast of characters, guest stars include David Cross, Stephen Hawking, and the late Brittany Murphy. The lesson they ultimately learn is somewhat touching: "There is no great love without great jealousy."

Some funny moments, but Futurama can do better

First, let me say, I love Futurama. It is probably my favorite TV show because of its wit, intelligence, and mix of funny and serious. I also like that most of the time, it has something interesting to say to its viewers.

Now, that said, I think the movie went a little too far in trying to send a specific message. Instead of blending social commentary and immature humor, like the Futurama I love, I think this movie tried too hard to shove the commentary down our throats.

It starts out with a stinging analogy of religious brainwashing, as "The Tentacle" slowly converts everyone on Earth. I don't mind commentary on religion; I thought most of this part of the movie was fairly clever, although a bit too in-your-face. If the movie had ended 45 minutes earlier than it did, I probably wouldn't have had a problem with the commentary. Plus, in the first half of the movie, there were some classic Futurama lines that are as quotable as many in the 4-year series.

Unfortunately, from there, the movie seems to become an entirely different animal. It turns into this weird mix of messages about religion, racism, love, and friendship, with some Pirates of the Caribbean references thrown in for good measure. It tries too hard to do too much.

The worst part, in my opinion? It acts as though the previous movie (and the end of the series) never happened. The poignant (though weird) love story between Fry and Leela from Bender's Big Score is completely ignored. The two of them are as oblivious as ever, and it's like there was never anything between them. And, as a huge fan of the last episode of the series, The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings, I was expecting something better. It appears that Futurama works better as a TV show than as a movie.

Note: This review also appears on my Squidoo account with some other extras, including quotes, pictures, and a detailed summary. Check it out: http://www.squidoo.com/futuram​a-movie .

Great movie

I bought beast with a billion backs because it is easily the best of the four Futurama movies. I personally think Matt Groening should have let the Simpsons die off and continue this great show.

entertaining

i'm a huge futurama fan and have wanted to see this feature since its release. Having had the chance I can honestly say it was worth purchasing.