**Spoiler Warning!**
The highly anticipated film, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” was released Sept. 6, 2024, and directed by Tim Burton.
The PG-13 film takes comedy, fantasy and horror to a whole new level with appearances by Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz, Micheal Keaton as Beetlejuice, Jenna Ortega as Astrid Deetz, Monica Bellucci as Delores and Wolf Jackson as Willem Dafoe.
The latest addition to the Beetlejuice franchise served as the sequel to tell a backstory of Lydia and Beetlejuice, along with new occurrences within the realm of the dead after 36 years.
Lydia is now a star host of her own show, Ghost Town, yet her daughter, Astrid Deetz, is a non-believer of the ghost world. Despite her mom’s stories, she fails to see her gifts and thinks her mom is just crazy. This creates tension in their relationship.
Astrid unknowingly sees a ghost and is lured into the portal for the dead. Lydia reaches out to Beetlejuice in desperate need, and finds out that he was watching her and still wants to be her beloved husband, while also being on a run from his ex wife Delores. She is the head of a soul-sucking cult and has put a hit on Beetlejuice, wanting to take not only his life in the dead but his soul as well. This adds a sense of suspense to the film, leaving the viewer to wonder, ‘Will they be safe?’
As the movie goes on, you see a lot of character development in not only Astrid, but in Lydia as well and the storyline becomes more intriguing and quickens its pace.
I love how they allowed Beetlejuice to continue his dark humor, and sarcastic personality during this movie. I also loved the way that they incorporated the original cast while also including popular actors which left viewers with a nostalgic feeling.
The use of diversity between the new and older stars allowed them to produce a vibrant, captivating movie. The creation of this sequel shows the advancement of technology and cosmetology in the designs of not only the characters, but the sets and practical effects.
The contrasting colors and dimensions in scenes are similar to the ones in the original, yet has a stronger realism and perspective not only shown in the realm of the dead but seen in the living world as well. Keeping modern fashion and art alive throughout this production. I liked how they kept music from the original movie and just added a new style to it. Enhancing things such as the storyline when they introduce new characters.
I feel like the movie brought joy and entertainment to me and other viewers. I’m glad that there wasn’t anything left out of the original film that was also needed for the sequel which left the characters full of life and individuality, along with funny characteristics.
Delia was hilarious and I loved how she grew into a whole new person. Instead of just being stuck up, she is now very opinionated and says whatever comes to mind. This leads her to her death yet she will be everlasting with her husband.
With a great cast in the newest version and the popularity of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, many trends have started on TikTok such as “cracked lips” [to imitate the natural creases], cosplay and the clothing merchandise now available in a variety of stores.
I think the production and premiere of the movie grabbed many people’s attention, and it was produced by an amazing director, personally giving the movie a general rating of 10/10.