This is a movie about Keanu Reeves attempting to tap in to a character played by his much younger self, and being visibly uncomfortable about it the whole time. This man has simply lived too much to be the Ted of days long past, but he's trying with all his might, for you. Appreciate the attempt or learn to let go, people.
Fortunately Alex Winter has been cryogenically frozen all this time, and is somehow even more Bill than he was 30 years ago. His energy carries none of the pain that looms over Keanu's grim countenance.
This duo has become a representation of comedy and tragedy, which in a way makes this more interesting than your average decades later rehash. I still love these characters, and if anything Keanu's awkwardness in the role makes Ted more interesting. Bill and Ted are still the same people, but they're no longer the same person.