Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ A Long-Awaited Sequel That Ghosted Us But Now It’s SHOWTIME! Friday 06 September, 2024
The fall film season kicks off in high gear with “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” now in theaters after this sequel feels possessed by the 1988 Tim Burton original. Tim Burton’s highly-anticipated sequel sees Michael Keaton reprise his iconic role as the ”freaky” ghost-demon, alongside Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, and newcomer Jenna Ortega, who brings a modern flair to this beloved franchise.
Tim Burton has done an excellent job reuniting the core original cast, especially welcoming back Michael Keaton in his funniest role ever as Betelgeuse (pronounced Beetlejuice).
This nasty-mouthed, rotting corpse is the ultimate trickster bio-exorcist demon, blending being totally disgusting, crude, and surprisingly entertaining. Beetlejuice is probably the funniest demon you’ll ever come across, making it hard to hate or fear him. In essence, he’s not even a true villain; his primary concern is to escape the afterlife and get married to a mortal, allowing him to return from his ghostly purgatory. Now, 36 years later, he’s back for another shot at mortal life, ready to start his chaotic journey again.
Returning as Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) is in all grown-up as the former goth teen now hosting a popular reality show called “Ghost Town,” where she explores haunted houses and offers tips on how to unhaunt them.
Lydia now has a daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), embodies that same melancholy spirit—though she’s a skeptic who thinks her mom is a total nutjob.Ortega, known for her standout roles in “Wednesday” and the “Scream” franchise, is stepping into the role of the new modern gothic it girl, following in Ryder’s iconic footsteps.
Lydia’s stepmother, Delia (Catherine O’Hara), returns as well still an abstract extremist artist whose outrageous ego remains intact. Now upgraded to digital exhibits and over-the-top productions, Delia uses technology to expand her fanbase—though her larger-than-life personality is as constant as ever.
Fans will also be excited to see the return of the beloved but inaudible character Bob, the voodoo shrunken head in an oversized suit, who brings along his quirky minion friends.
While Lydia’s father, Charles (Jeffrey Jones) is notably absent due to his controversial past, his character still influences the plot, with the classic Harry Belafonte song “Day-O” getting a special revival as a tribute.
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: does the sequel hold up to the original? Tim Burton deserves applause for maintaining the integrity of the 1988 classic, opting for practical effects that overshadow the usual digital pyrotechnics. This handmade aesthetic is irresistible, especially in an age dominated by CGI. True fans will appreciate the authentic charm that mirrors the spirit of the ’80s.
New characters add a fresh twist, including Beetlejuice’s ex-wife Delores—a self-made mashup of the Bride of Frankenstein and Morticia Addams. These additions, along with Lydia’s fiancé and Astrid’s boy-next-door interest, enrich the film’s narrative. Notably, the inclusion of zombie “soul” train dancers adds much-needed representation, as the original lacked diverse, melanated characters. Their presence injects genuine “soul” into the film, making it a fun, creepy touch that resonates with audiences.
Tim Burton stands as the Edgar Allan Poe of the 21st century, boasting a remarkable collection of modern gothic masterpieces such as “Edward Scissorhands,” “Sweeney Todd,” and the animated cult favorite “Corpse Bride.” Yet, “Beetlejuice” will always reign supreme as the quintessential blend of avant-garde horror and comedy. This sequel is a welcome return of the ‘Juice, and it’s safe to say that Beetlejuice has jumpstarted the Halloween season!
Get ready for an influx of Beetlejuice characters this spooky season, from classic costumes to new faces. So, as the saying goes, it’s time for the ‘Juice to be loose again! We finally made Beetlejuice’s Millennium! It’s Showtime for spooky season!
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