“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the sequel to the 1988 horror-comedy classic “Beetlejuice,” was released on Sept. 6 to critical acclaim.
Warner Bros. and director Tim Burton look to expand the franchise with this long-awaited installment. The film’s plot follows Lydia Deetz, now a mother in the modern day, and her return to her old family home after her father’s passing. Lydia must reluctantly gain the help of Beetlejuice, a demon with ties to the Deetz family and a stake in her past, to save her daughter from being trapped in the afterlife as elements of our world and the land of the dead collide.
While it has been 36 years since the initial release of the original “Beetlejuice” film, its sequel isn’t any mere cash-grabbing title that tries to ride off the nostalgia of the original. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” builds off of its predecessor when it comes to the worldbuilding and established elements the first film created. Many elements serve to pay homage to the original in creative ways.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is packed with plenty of great performances. Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder return to reprise their respective roles as Beetlejuice and Lydia. The two have an excellent character dynamic that offers plenty of fun moments. This movie shows that Keaton is the perfect choice to play the title character, bringing loads of charisma and energy to his performance. The new characters the movie introduced are welcome additions. I enjoyed Jenna Ortega’s role as Lydia’s teenage daughter, Astrid. She has plenty of great moments, with her character creating an emotional tie to Lydia’s character. I can’t help but mention Willem Dafoe and his performance as the paranormal cop Wolf Jackson. His line delivery and hilarious mannerisms are fun to watch as we track his hunt for Beetlejuice.
I commend “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” for keeping its tradition in its heavy use of practical effects. The film’s art direction is its strongest aspect. The costumes, makeup and set design are phenomenal and are immensely creative. The designs of the large variety of ghosts in the afterlife look just as amazing. They go together with the clever use of lighting and color throughout the movie.
This has also been one of the funniest movies I’ve seen this year. There are plenty of self-referential and fourth-wall-breaking moments in its script and soundtrack.
The soundtrack is strong in its own way. It serves to elevate some of the more comedic moments very well. The use of “Tragedy” by the Bee Gees and Richard Harris’s “MacArthur Park” lead to some especially iconic moments.
Overall, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is a fun movie and a great theatre experience. A spectacle of a movie with a clever script and great performances. The film has elements that fans of the original and newcomers can enjoy.
This is a great example of the right way to make a legacy sequel. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is a perfect addition to your future Halloween watchlist.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is in theatres now and isn’t set to be streaming until late November. Until then, you can watch the trailer by clicking here.