Nearly 40 years later, the world receives a sequel to Beetlejuice. A lot of horror films coming out this autumn are dead serious and gory. The Beetlejuice films are gory, but have levity to them. I’m not much of a horror fan, but I did take some time out to watch the Beetlejuice films. And it’s something that I’m looking forward to especially with some issues I have going on in my family right now. I kind of needed the levity and not dwell on death without a bit of lightheartedness. If anyone wants to see their dreary horror flicks, they’ll come this fall, and we usually don’t have to wait till then to watch these films. These types of movies sell so nowadays so we can find them in theaters all year round. But, if you’re looking for a lighthearted twist in this genre, check out Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
One of the biggest shockers of this film was the clever plot twists. Though, they weren’t original and borrowed some tropes from other movies, I was able to be surprised by them because some were not used in decades. I can tell the influence from other films is heavy. To avoid going into spoilers I will not delve into them. Seeing the plot twists kind of made think there should be a series akin to the cartoon from the 80s, but I don’t see that happening as there looks to be more focus on maybe keeping this franchise alive a little longer instead with another sequel.
Michael Keaton returns with another lively performance. Maybe it’s just me, but he doesn’t seem as animated as he did back in the 80s since he’s in his early 70s now. But, it was still another infectious performance by him. He’s the same type of character I’d expected to see, and there really didn’t need to be much changed except maybe from the groping of women in the previous film, and the subtracting of the F bombs to keep this movie a modern PG-13 rating. Back in the 80s, it was allowed in a PG movie, and it’s amazing how times have changed. It’s probably a good thing because I cannot imagine a rated PG movie being allowed some of things from 80s would be for today in 2024.
As I alluded into the first movie review, I wish the film has delved more into Beetlejuice’s history. In Beetlejuice Beetljuice, there is a bit of a backstory. It doesn’t delve too much, and it’s more of a focus on other characters that have been in his past. But, I think that’s part of the plan for this franchise is to keep Beetlejuice somewhat of a mystery. I’m starting realize that as I’m writing these reviews, and that’s probably for the better. Some things are best left untold and maybe giving little tidbits of his life in other films as more installments are released. Based on what I’ve seen in this film, it looks like this franchise might not be done yet, but then again there are some situations in the movie that happen that made me think this franchise might be done.
The special effects were well done again, and some of the same old effects were from its predecessor. I can imagine it might’ve costed more to use old effects from the 80s than to use modern effects from today, but they were used, and I felt that it gave me a sense of nostalgia from the 80s. I thought it looked great at first, but it does seem out of place in this 2024 film. This movie was mainly to attract people who’ve grown up watching Beetlejuice from the 80s, and having Jenna Ortega was more so to attract a younger audience. But, seeing some of these effects used from back then seems like they were made by students from a special effects school. I understand Tim Burton was trying to do, but it doesn’t seem to have the desired effect he hoped for other than trying to have older viewers reminisce of times from the past.
The most disappointing part of the film is Winoa Ryder’s acting. I’ve never been a fan of her much growing up, and never thought she’s been that great of a an actress. There was a lot of overacting and a lot of her performance wasn’t believable. Jenna Ortega on the other hand did a great job, and was the typical moody teenager descending from Ryder’s character that I had expected. But, Ryder being one of the more prominent stars really made her awkward performances stand out. I don’t know how many times she tried to seem surprised by every little thing, and it never felt convincing.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’s main target audience was from people who have grown up watching the film. When I as in the theater, I saw mostly elderly people and maybe one twenty year old couple. But, I do tend to go to movies during the day when I find the free time to do so. It was on Tuesday during a matinee so that’s prime time for a lot of retirees to venture out into the day when it’s not too late to see a movie. If anyone’s a fan of Beetlejuice, this film is something that I advise not missing out on. Though it may look like Ryder’s past her prime in her acting career, there are stars like Ortega and Catherin O’hara who still vibrates with energy in her performance that really add luster to this gloomy film.
Rating: C