Beetlejuice is back and while not better than ever, as sequels go Beetlejuice Beetlejuice lands more than it doesn’t and we get a fun romp in the world of the afterlife.
After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened. With trouble brewing in both realms, it’s only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice’s name three times and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.
Realistically, sequels often struggle to match the cult appeal of the original film, but Beetlejuice Beetlejuicee manages to hold its own. The film is a fun and nostalgic romp through the afterlife, capturing the dark comedy that made audiences fall in love with the first movie. Tim Burton shines like he hasn’t in over 10 years, bringing his signature style and flair to every scene.
As sequels go, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has more going for it than wrong. The cast delivers strong performances, with familiar faces returning alongside new additions that bring fresh energy to the story. The use of practical effects brings this film closer to its predecessor while also adding top-notch digital effects to modernize the picture, both these help bring the fantastical world of Beetlejuice to life.
While Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is not perfect by any stretch, it is a worthy successor to its iconic predecessor. While it will not reach the same heights of cult status as the original film, it offers plenty of entertainment for fans old and new alike. With its mix of dark humor, quirky characters, and imaginative storytelling, this sequel was a delight.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice proves that some sequels can standup against the original, especially when the director is attached to the film. With Tim Burton at the helm and a talented cast, this film delivers on most fronts. Die-hard, longtime fans of Beetlejuice should find something to love about this sequel, while there may be a few new fans of the franchise. In the end, a solid sequel to a cult classic.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was directed by Tim Burton from a screenplay by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar. A sequel to Beetlejuice, the film stars Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara reprising their roles alongside new cast members Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Jenna Ortega, and Willem Dafoe.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice opened with $110 million over the weekend, the second-highest opening ever in the month of September, behind Stephen King’s It. The film is on track to become only the sixth feature film to break the $200 million mark in 2024. The budget for the film was estimated at around $100 million.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice hit theaters on September 6, 2024 and is now showing.
