In 2024, director Tim Burton’s fans rejoiced as he returned with the sequel to his creation that has existed for over three decades, Beetlejuice 2. This adds more substance to the film universe that Burton’s fans have enjoyed watching, as fans meet again with the wonderful yet troublesome Deetz family, and the bio-exorist Betelgeuse. Synopsis Set over three decades after the prequel… In his later years married to another husband of the Deetz family, Richard, and starting a family of her own alongside the only other family member, Astrid, Lydia (depicted by Winona Ryder), had become a host for a spiritualist show. Grievously, with the loss of her husband life took a huge toll on her. Finally, Lydia and Astrid make their way back to Junior River, where the family has always been plagued by the git with many issues, Betelgeuse (portrayed by Michael Keaton). Then, Lydia with her daughter Aster and fighting the presence of Bearlegeuse and her dark family moves to Winter River to go back to her family house. It made things complicated and troublesome as Dementia and Elit decided to tell their children the truth about them and the witchcraft they have been practicing. Things were already difficult as a teenage Astrid was still trying to grapple with life after losing her father To cope, Astrid unintentionally opens a door to the afterlife, making things more caustic.
As Lydia and Astrid enter a world inhabited by weird people, they are joined by Rory (Justin Theroux), Lydia’s producer and fiancée, who enters their story and threatens to complicate everything with his skepticism and ulterior motives. The protagonists are now finding it difficult to reach their goal as they have to deal with the strange and surreal world of the characters.
The story revolves around loss, family, and closure, but it always manages to exude the darkness and oddness associated with the Beetlejuice franchise at the same time.
Cast & Crew
- Director: Tim Burton
- Writers: Alfred Gough, Miles Millar
- Producers: Tim Burton, Marc Toberoff, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Tommy Harper
- Cinematography: Haris Zambarloukos
- Editing: Jay Prychidny
- Music: Danny Elfman
Main Cast:
- Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse
- Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz
- Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz
- Jenna Ortega as Astrid Deetz
- Justin Theroux as Rory
- Monica Bellucci as Delores
- Willem Dafoe as Wolf Jackson
Critical Reception
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has received mixed to positive feedback from critics and the audience during its release. In particular, the audience appreciated Michael Keaton and his portrayal of Betelgeuse which many believed he was able to easily slip back into after decades- including Ryder who played the risk of portraying a slightly older Lydia who is more complex in her acting.
Ortega got praise for her performance as Astrid Deetz in the latest movie which shows the sensibilities of gothic as Ryder’s character was able to do but Jenna handled the narrative in a different way. The interaction of Lydia with her daughter Astrid served a purpose that gave more weight to the narrative in understanding the generational issues in a strange world, a common feature associated with Burton’s universe.
Nonetheless, some reviewers claimed the film was tricky, as it had too many sub plots that were sometimes taking away from the main story. The fast pacing and a variety of new characters added onto a feeling of being crowded, which meant that at times certain things did not get the chance to be fully flesh out. However, most critics praised the film’s visual appeal, practical effects along with Elfman’s tantalizing music for succeeding in retaining the charm of the original.
Box Office Performance
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was regarded as a success after its box office gross exceeded $451 million even though the amalgamation of the production and advertising budget was around $100 million. Initial audience responses were positive as opening weekend box office returns exceeded a hundred million dollars, which clearly underscored the grasp of the series on audiences ever since its inception. The success of the film can be attributed to nostalgic as well as star studded cast reports coupled with brilliant advertisements which pulled both new fans along with those who had seen the previous versions.
Final Thoughts
Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice gives room for examination as to the role of nostalgia in contemporary narrations since it’s a sequel that largely fulfills its role of portraying the sequel of its predecessor. The sequel however, while in some sense of the word providing the same essence as its predecessor, which however is all thanks to strong performance in addition to Burton’s magical costume designs and views. In short, the sequel was a joy ride into the twisted and the nice after life.
To some extent for the original viewers, and for those that have not watched the original one, it would be a fun watch through which the audience would remember why saying “Beetlejuice” thrice is a way of inviting trouble.
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