“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the sequel to the 1988 classic “Beetlejuice,” released Sept. 6. It continues themes from the original movie, but adds greater emotional depth to the supernatural world.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is rated Parents Strongly Cautioned (PG-13), featuring comical animations juxtaposed with dark themes like death and gruesome images involving the spewing of guts and dismembered bodies. However, the humor provides a satirical relief. This makes the film particularly suitable for young teenagers, thanks in part to the inclusion of a relatable character, Astrid Deetz (Jenna Ortega). She makes angsty and sarcastic responses, bringing a teenage perspective to the table.
The film reunites Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton) and Lydia (Winona Ryder) as they face new supernatural chaos. Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, becomes entangled in the afterlife after trusting the wrong person, who is later revealed to be a ghost. Rory (Justin Theroux), proposes to Lydia despite being questioned by Astrid. Rory’s true intentions of using Lydia for fame are later exposed by Betelgeuse.
Astrid offers a youthful perspective on her strained relationship with her mother, reflecting the familiar tension many teens experience. While the concept might seem cliché, it works well with the movie’s plot and ties into the original “Beetlejuice” theme, where Lydia Deetz also struggled to connect with her family. Now, Astrid steps into that role, adding new energy to the narrative as Lydia’s daughter.
Astrid feels isolated by her opposing beliefs to her mother’s — not believing Lydia’s supernatural “powers” — seeing herself as the last “normal” one in the family. This emotional conflict deepens the chaotic plot, with tension between Astrid and her mother driving risky decisions that nearly cost Astrid her life, but ultimately lead to a happy and humorous ending.
One of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” greatest strengths is its ability to maintain the emotional focus on familial ties and belonging amidst the chaos. At one point, the film almost drifts to a love story between Astrid and Jeremy, which could have taken away from the deeper themes of familial relationships. Thankfully, it is redirected back to the heart of the narrative — Astrid’s relationship with her mother — through a clever plot twist. The film avoids the unnecessary clichés of a typical teen romance and delivers a more meaningful conclusion. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” manages to blend heartfelt and emotional arcs with supernatural humor, making this a unique and fantastic sequel.
The casting of the movie was coordinated well. The return of original actors like Ryder, Alec Baldwin and Catherine O’Hara (Delia Deetz), helped preserve the charm that made the first “Beetlejuice” so memorable. They brought a sense of nostalgia to viewers familiar with the original film. Despite their small roles, the addition of actors like Danny DeVito (Janitor) and Willem Dafoe (Wolf Jackson) provide comedic relief. Each actor matched their character’s personality perfectly. Ortega’s big eyes and monotone facial expressions capture Astrid’s carelessness and youth, while Dafoe’s big blue eyes are fitting to Wolf Jackson’s crazy personality. Blending the old and the new in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” not only gave the audience a fun throwback but also a fresh, entertaining experience.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is a must-watch this Halloween. It strikes a perfect balance of nostalgia, emotional depth and humor while offering fresh twists. By staying true to its core themes, it delivers a wildly entertaining experience, making it a strong sequel in its own right.
