My review of The Beast with A Billion Backs was somewhat negative as I was disappointed in the film and thought the Futurama folks could have done better.  But I was encouraged to see the third DVD, Bender’s Game, by fans who thought it was a better film.  Well, I’m glad I listened, because I definitely did enjoy this movie.

As the film begins, prices for dark matter are rising rapidly as Mom makes the most of her monopoly on the substance to rack up record profits.  Meanwhile, Bender attempts to play Dungeons & Dragons with Cubert and the other kids but is having trouble releasing his imagination.  Slight spoilers ahead (though obvious from the trailer): These storylines meet as Bender’s tale becomes a Mazes and Monsters parody and the Futurama crew is thrown into a fantasy realm.  Be aware though, it takes quite some time to get to the point where Fry and the gang are actually in a fantasy world.

Let me mention a few of the negatives first.  Some of the side plots are not really resolved in the usual effective manner.  I would say Bender’s Big Score had a more tightly woven plot driving the film.  I also think some of the slapping jokes with Mom and the three kids get old fast.  There are a few other comedic misfires (including the very last scene of the movie which I didn’t find that funny). But…

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