REVIEW: “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (2024)

As a film enthusiast with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must say that “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” has managed to capture the same oddball charm and macabre humor that made its predecessor such a beloved classic. With a cast that’s as delightful as it is star-studded, this sequel serves up a heaping helping of wacky effects, cool animatronics, and zany gags that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.


By 1990, Warner Bros. Pictures had already started contemplating a sequel to Tim Burton’s hit movie “Beetlejuice” from 1988. Various scripts were penned and discussed, with some ideas proving more appealing than others (it might seem unbelievable, but “Beetlejuice in Hawaii” was actually proposed). However, multiple setbacks and distractions almost completely dashed any chances for a sequel. But now, those dreams are revived once again.

Thirty-six years have passed since the collaboration between Burton and Warner Bros., and now they’re reuniting for “Beetlejuice 2”, the sequel to the quirky (if I may say so myself) franchise. I appreciated the initial “Beetlejuice”, but I wasn’t one of those die-hard fans eagerly awaiting a follow-up. Still, I was taken aback by how much I enjoyed this second installment. Is it the nostalgia factor at play? Or is it simply delightful to see Tim Burton unleash his dark humor again? I believe it’s a mix of both these elements that made me enjoy it so much.

In the exciting return of “Beetlejuice”, we welcome back beloved actors like Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, and the iconic Michael Keaton. Joining them are some fresh faces such as Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, and Willem Dafoe. The newcomers perfectly blend with the original cast. As for the atmosphere, “Beetlejuice” remains true to its roots, offering a mix of quirky visual effects, ingenious animatronics, and a series of eerie jokes that embody the peculiar blend of horror and humor that made the ’88 film so captivating.

REVIEW: “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (2024)

In the 36 years after the initial film’s events, Lydia Deetz (Ryder) has transformed from a quirky goth girl on the brink of marriage to a nutty demon named Betelgeuse (Beetlejuice), into an apprehensive psychic mediator with her own TV show titled “Ghost House”. Her daughter, Astrid (Ortega), attends a boarding school, and their bond has been frayed since the heartbreaking demise of her father, Richard (Santiago Cabrera).

Lydia receives a tragic call from stepmother Delia, reporting that their father, Charles, passed away during a bird-watching trip in the South Pacific. They journey back to Winter River, Connecticut, to organize his funeral and pick up Astrid along the way. Upon arrival, Astrid encounters Rory (Theroux), her mother’s amusing boyfriend with a habit of saying the most inappropriate things. She also meets local boy Jeremy (Conti) and forms a connection with him.

However, things take an unexpected twist when Astrid gets enticed into the netherworld in search of her father. Yet, instead of reuniting with him, she’s caught in a whirlwind of bizarre characters, conjured by Burton, that are nothing short of eccentric and humorous. In desperation to save her daughter, Lydia turns to an old adversary, Betelgeuse – a spirited entity from the afterlife longing for life once again. Remarkably, he believes marrying Lydia is his passport back to our realm and still harbors this aspiration.

REVIEW: “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (2024)

Lydia invokes Betelgeuse’s name thrice, causing him to appear. They strike a deal – he assists Lydia in finding Astrid, and she consents to marry him. However, Betelgeuse has issues with his ex-wife Delores LaVerge (Bellucci), who seeks revenge because of past grievances. It’s revealed that Delores belonged to a cult that drained souls, which Betelgeuse dismantled after discovering she had attempted to kill him. Wolf Jackson, an enigmatic yet entertaining character played by Willem Dafoe, follows the unfolding events. Originally a B-movie action star, he now functions as a tenacious afterlife detective in the supernatural realm.

The 1988 film is frequently referenced in numerous ways, such as the eerie hilltop abode of the Deetz family overlooking the town, a short performance of Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)”, and the reappearance of the stop-motion sand worm, along with everyone’s beloved character, Bob. The film maintains its mischievous and politically incorrect spirit, which contributes to some of the funniest scenes. Lastly, the cast gives their all while seeming to enjoy every moment on set.

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2024-09-10 17:56