Beetlejuice was released in 1988 following the protagonist, Lydia Deetz, and the all-famous antagonist, Betelgeuse. In 2022, we saw some trailers for a sequel to this movie, and after 36 years, a new Beetlejuice movie is here. The sequel was released in theaters and tactfully titled Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Does this movie live up to its predecessor’s potential? Is it still as humorous and scary? What are the new roles, and are there any recasts? Read if you dare!
Tim Burton created yet another classic movie: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, to follow the first movie: Beetlejuice. He directed Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Alice in Wonderland and many more movies. In the new film, Burton introduced us to a new cast of characters, such as Jenna Ortega, playing Lydia Deetz’s daughter, Astrid Deetz. Justin Theroux and Arthur Conti were other star actors along with a handful of more people! There are also some recasts: Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder returned to play their original characters, Lydia Deetz and Betelguese, along with Catherine O’Hara, who played Delia Deetz.
Some of the plot was a bit unnecessary. For example, the scenes with Betelgeuse’s ex-wife, Delores, were completely useless, and more details could have occurred with the time they used to film Delores. She was merely a waste of screen time because she had little to no effect on the ending or impacted the plot. In addition, the sheriff following Betelgeuse also appeared in a few scenes although, they were pointless and wasted screen time.
Most of the storyline can, however, interest and capture the reader’s attention. The film got off to a great start. It introduces the watcher to Lydia Deetz starring in her new show called “Ghost House,” and throughout the film, we see the relationship between Lydia and Astrid shape into something better through obstacles they overcome. The scenes leave you shaken and anticipating what might happen next. Winona Ryder was able to bring her character back to life after not playing her for 36 years! Michael Keaton also displayed both the creepy and the humorous side of Betelgeuse. His acting leaves you jumping out of your seat when it comes to more intense scenes. The storyline starts with serious and somber scenes, then slowly shifts to more hilarious scenes towards the end of the movie. Actress Catherine O’Hara set the stage, leaving the audience howling every time she appeared on screen.
Beetlejuice is known for its soundtrack, so there is one big question: is the music in the second movie as good as the first or is it a downgrade? Although there isn’t as much music in this movie as in the first one, it without a doubt captures the movie’s overall feel. The second movie’s soundtrack outdoes the first movie and fits beautifully.
If you want to watch a film that fills you with a rollercoaster of emotions, then this film will please you! Beetlejuice Beetlejuice would be a great movie to watch when Halloween rolls around with friends or family. Overall, Tim Burton outdid himself.
