Autumn is just around the corner, and what better way to get in the mood than by tuning into a creepy, kooky movie? The first time I saw Beetlejuice (1988), I felt that I was encountering an entirely new genre. Tim Burton's unique eye for gothic fantasy and loveable yet eccentric characters riveted my senses. His 2024 sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice captures the original’s campy essence while giving it a twist for today’s audience. Although Burton’s distinctive style remains at the forefront, the reboot is fashioned to resonate with a new generation of quirky fans. Instead of relying on nostalgia, it reintroduces the manic energy of Beetlejuice to a new audience without expecting an intensive background.
The movie picks up with Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) 36 years later, now an adult and host of her very own talk show, Ghost House, on which she dives into the world of the supernatural. Lydia is no longer the gloomy, misunderstood girl we remember, but rather a non-conformist who has turned her paranormal obsession into a career. However, her dedication to the supernatural world comes at a price: she has developed a distant relationship with her teenage daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega). Astrid resents her mother for neglecting her in favor of the supernatural, as well as for disregarding Astrid’s late father.
Jenna Ortega was an exceptional casting choice for this role. Her roles in Wednesday (2022) and X (2022) branded her as one of Gen Z’s “scream queens.” Ortega and Ryder’s complex mother-daughter relationship lends emotional depth to what is otherwise a merely eerie plot. The initial conflict between the two characters in the first act allows for character development among both parties throughout the film.
Lydia is called back home to Winter River after receiving word from her stepmother, Delia (Catherine O’Hara), that her father, Charles, has tragically died in a bizarre shark attack. This return sets the stage for the return of old ghosts, literal and otherwise. The town still holds memories of Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton), the troublesome ghost who upended Lydia’s life when she was an angsty teenager.
Meanwhile, Betelgeuse, still causing mischief in the afterlife, is dealing with problems of his own. His ex-wife, Delores (Monica Bellucci), is hot on his trail, seeking revenge for his disastrous attempt to marry Lydia in the original film. Their comically toxic relationship brings plenty of laughs and drama, adding to the chaos that Betelgeuse thrives on. This subplot, while enjoyable to watch, also significantly raises the stakes of a relatively irreverent movie. In an attempt to escape her mother and reunite with her father, Astrid finds herself dragged into the afterlife by Jeremy (Arthur Conti), a ghost boy who also serves as a love interest. For his part, Jeremy feels like an unnecessary plot device to get Astrid to meet Betelgeuse. The movie could have done without his character.
The returning cast is undeniably star-studded, and each actor brings a unique pizazz to the film. Catherine O'Hara, reprising her role as Delia, adds just the right amount of comic relief, infusing her improv roots with Gen Z humor. Her clueless, over-the-top persona is reminiscent of Jennifer Coolidge’s role in A Cinderella Story (2004), where both actresses manage to be hilariously out of touch while still being charming. O'Hara's portrayal adds a touch of absurdity, rendering her scenes a perfect contrast to Justin Theroux’s portrayal of Lydia’s irreverent producer, confidant, and sudden fiancé, Rory. Delia and Rory have a sort of cat-and-mouse dynamic that proves to be a recipe for comedic gold.
As one might expect from a legacy sequel like Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the movie contains numerous references and callbacks to the original that tie the new story back to its predecessor. All are incorporated into the sequel exceptionally well. The soundtrack is also a highlight, doing wonders to set the film's tone. When Delores makes her dramatic entrance, the Bee Gees’ hit "Tragedy" plays, and it’s a spine-chilling moment (I can confirm that I did indeed get goosebumps in the theater). The music choice is not only a perfect fit for Delores' storyline but also creates an eerie and exhilarating atmosphere. The dynamics of the song and the spooky build up to the chorus creates palpable excitement. The various needle drops contribute to the film’s surreal, campy aesthetic while maintaining a connection to the original and its Harry Belafonte tributes.
Admittedly, the ending, or lack thereof, is disappointing. The first movie was not intended to spawn a series, but it sort of works. Introducing new characters like Astrid rejuvenates the now-franchise while still maintaining aspects of the original’s charm. I am unsure of whether or not the invention of the series was purposeful – perhaps leaving room for a third movie (perhaps Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, if they need some help). There was so much unfinished business, almost as if the writers significantly ran out of steam a third of the way into writing the movie.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice successfully captures the gothic magic of the original while infusing it with modern energy. Tim Burton’s distinctive style, paired with a strong, star-studded cast, creates a film that is equal parts nostalgic and refreshing. Ryder and Keaton reprise their roles with the same ineffable chemistry, while Jenna Ortega’s fresh presence adds new depth to the family dynamics. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice offers a perfect blend of the weird and wonderful, making it an essential film for the spooky season and beyond.
-Sophie
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