As a die-hard fan of Tim Burton’s quirky and imaginative films, I must say that the sequel to “Beetlejuice” has not only managed to capture the essence of the original but also added some delightful surprises for us longtime fans. The attention to detail in recreating the Maitland’s scale model of Winter River, the clever use of the Handbook for the Recently Deceased, and Beetlejuice’s hilarious hijinks with Lydia’s wedding dress are all testaments to the creators’ love for the source material.
WARNING: Spoilers Ahead! This article discusses key plot points from the movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” currently showing in cinemas.
It’s been three decades since Michael Keaton’s character as the profane demon in Tim Burton’s 1988 movie “Beetlejuice” initially scared cinema-goers, but his impact endures – particularly with the release of the long-awaited sequel, titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” now showing in cinemas.
Keaton once again takes on his iconic ghost character in the sequel, joining original stars Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara. Although some cast members from the first movie like Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin won’t be making a return, the 2024 film is brimming with winks and homages to the original.
See the best Easter eggs and references below.
Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O”
One memorable moment from the original “Beetlejuice” film is the dinner party where the Maitlands take over the Deetz family and their guests to sing Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O.” In the sequel, this song is revisited in a unique setting – at Charles’ funeral, a youth choir performs a soulful gospel version of it. The sequel also features an extravagant musical number towards its end, with Beetlejuice and the Deetz women putting on a spirited performance of Richard Harris’ “Macarthur Park” during Lydia’s wedding.
Delia’s Sculptures
Currently, Delia Deetz manages an avant-garde art gallery nestled in bustling Manhattan. It’s edgy, stylish, and quirky, showcasing a variety of unconventional artwork. Yet, she remains connected to her past. Remarkably, Astrid’s former boarding school now showcases the Deetz Art Center, displaying Delia’s peculiar sculptures from the initial film, such as that extraordinary claw-like piece that once attached her to a wall.
Ghost House
Initially appearing as an adult, Lydia Deetz is found hosting a ghost investigation program titled “Ghost House.” This title suits the show well, but it’s also a playful nod to what could have been the original movie’s title if Warner Bros. had their preference over “Beetlejuice,” as revealed by screenwriter Al Gough in his conversation with EbMaster. It was nearly named “Ghost House” for the initial film, but Tim Burton had to strongly advocate for calling it “Beetlejuice” instead.
Shrunken Head Guys
In the closing scene of the initial movie, a man with disproportionately large shoulders and an unusually small head, who shrank Beetlejuice’s head in the original film, enters the Neitherworld Waiting Room. In the sequel, Bob is seen managing a team of employees, all sporting miniaturized heads, dressed in yellow suits and labeled with red tags. These labels are subtle references to the movie’s producers, ranging from Brad Pitt to Al Gough. The editor added this detail during post-production, as Gough revealed at the film premiere. There are other real-life names subtly incorporated into the movie: the couples therapist of Lydia and Rory was named Dr. Glickman, in honor of their longtime friend and former CEO of Miramax, Jon Glickman, who also produced Tim Burton’s “Wednesday” series.
Miss Shannon’s School for Girls
In the world of “Beetlejuice,” I, being a movie buff, recall that prior to Lydia ascending the stairs in her school uniform, she was spotted exiting Miss Shannon’s School for Girls. This prestigious educational establishment resurfaces in the sequel, as Astrid cycles by its signage following Charles’ funeral.
Opening Shot
In both “Beetlejuice” and its sequel, the camera sweeps over Winter River, Connecticut, while the opening credits roll. Notably, the initial film presents a miniature model of the town, which reappears when Astrid finds it hidden in the Deetz family’s attic in the original movie.
Handbook for the Recently Deceased
In the original story and its sequel, the Maitlands’ guidebook serves a crucial purpose for navigating their ghostly existence. Similarly, this handbook proves instrumental in the narrative. Initially, Astrid finds it hidden in Jeremy’s room, contrary to his claim that it was bought from a thrift store. Entrapped in the afterlife, she is coerced into reading an incantation from the book but later exploits its power by using it to annul Beetlejuice’s marriage bond with Lydia.
Lydia’s Wedding Dress
Beetlejuice continues to harbor hopes of marrying Lydia. Once she signs a contract promising to marry him if he helps save Astrid from the afterlife, Beetlejuice crashes her wedding with Rory and dresses her up in a fiery red wedding gown that strongly resembles the one she wore in the initial movie.
Charles’ Death
In the latest installment, Lydia’s father Charles doesn’t make an appearance despite Jeffrey Jones, the actor who played him, being alive. Here’s why: Jeffrey Jones was indicted in 2003 for attempting to solicit a minor for explicit photos. He chose not to contest the charges and was given five years of probation, therapy, and registration as a sex offender. In 2004 and 2010, he was apprehended for neglecting to update his sex offender status.
In the 2024 film, the character Charles is present – initially shown in an animated scene depicting his untimely demise (he meets his end in a plane crash, followed by a shark attack), and later in the spiritual realm without his head. Gough and Millar found this creative way to incorporate Burton’s signature stop-motion animation as a means to narrate Charles’ backstory: “We brainstormed, ‘This could be an excellent opportunity to include that animation in the movie.’ The concept of a fatal plane crash and being devoured by a shark was Tim’s personal fear of death. So he thought, ‘Alright, let the shark simply bite off his head, and we’re good to go.’
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2024-09-07 02:47