After years of rumors, hopes, and dreams, the sequel to Beetlejuice has finally materialized. In fact, it is now available on digital and VOD! At first, I was hesitant to watch it. Let’s be honest: few sequels rarely live up to the original film. With movies that are such epic classics, like Beetlejuice, the chances are slim to none. I finally couldn’t stand it anymore, so I broke down and watched Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. This is my review.
In Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Lydia Deetz is reluctantly reunited with the demonic trickster Beetlejuice in this highly anticipated sequel. Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, is kidnapped by unknown otherworldly forces. The Deetz family, grappling with an unexpected tragedy, returns to their ancestral home in Winter River. A place where a mysterious model of the town holds the key to a portal between the living and the dead. With trouble brewing in both worlds, it’s up to Beetlejuice to save the day – or at least cause maximum chaos.
Directed by the brilliant Tim Burton, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice boasts a star-studded cast of both returning and new characters. Michael Keaton is reprising his iconic role as Beetlejuice. Winona Ryder returns to her role as Lydia. Catherine O’Hara also returns. The original cast is joined by Jenna Ortega (Astrid Deetz), Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci, and Justin Theroux, creating an incredible ensemble cast. Danny Elfman returns to compose the film’s score.
Where to start? First, I should address that several stars have returned to reprise their roles; however, Jeffrey Jones is not one of them. There’s so much controversy surrounding the actor that Tim Burton wanted nothing to do with him, and who can blame Burton? Sure, Lydia’s dad makes a brief appearance in the sequel, but not precisely in human form. Jones’s face only appears in the stop animation scene where he is killed. From then on, the character doesn’t have a head so that anyone could play it. It was a good choice.
Winona Ryder does well returning as Lydia after all these years. The character is a little bit stranger after having experienced the events of the first movie and being able to see ghosts. Cathrine O’Hara nailed her character once again. As for Michael Keaton, Beetlejuice is still the “ghost with the most.” He was perfect. This is Jena Ortega’s first go-around with Beetlejuice, and she did well. Justin Theroux’s character was obnoxious, but I believe that’s precisely what Burton aimed for. Willem Defoe never disappoints. Regarding the cast and characters, I was disappointed we didn’t get more of Monica Bellucci’s Delores. She seemed like an interesting character that had more potential.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has Tim Burton’s written all over it. It captures the essence of the original without being a carbon copy—not an easy thing to do. It’s a fresh story but still calls back to everything we loved about Beetlejuice. There is the same look, dark humor, and whimsy that we’ve come to expect.
No, it doesn’t quite live up to the original, but in all honesty, no movie ever will. Beetlejuice was/is unique, iconic, and frankly historic. To capture a fraction of its magic is a feat all its own, and the sequel definitely does that.
The sequel is delightfully dark and demented. It’s a fun flick that reminded me of why I fell in love with the original in the first place. And for that, I am grateful. You see, I was a kid the first time I watched Beetlejuice. I liked dark things, read serious books, and wore black. I was strange and unusual in a small southern town where everyone else wanted to fit in. Lydia helped me see that it was okay to be strange and unusual. That’s why I will always have a special place in my heart for Beetlejuice.
Say his name thrice, pop some popcorn and watch Beetlejuice Beetlejuice today on digital and demand!
