In this era of sequels and remakes, it’s not a surprise director Tim Burton has returned to dig Betelgeuse’s body out of a sandworm’s belly. A film reportedly 34 years in the making, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is a sequel to the 1988 hit “Beetlejuice.” Having made its theatrical debut earlier this month, the film has received both box office and critical success, quickly cementing itself as the perfect spooky comedy to watch this Fall.
The story follows the familiar cast of characters from the original. Winona Ryder reprised her role as a now grown-up Lydia Deetz, who made a successful career for herself in television using her medium abilities. However, after the death of her father, she is called back home where she must contest with her estranged daughter Astrid, played by Jenna Ortega, and the bio-exorcist Betelgeuse, played by Michael Keaton, who’s returned to haunt her. From there, the film unravels in different directions, due in large part to its expansive cast.
There are a ton of new additions this time around, and even a few missing faces. Arthur Conti, made his film debut, who played the seemingly innocent boy next door. Willem Dafoe plays an over-the-top action movie cop. We are even given a glimpse into Betelgeuse’s past as his ex-wife, played by Monica Bellucci, is hell-bent on hunting him down to avenge her murder.
But the star who has received the most attention is Jenna Ortega, the breakout star of Wednesday. Which happens to be another show that Tim Burton, the film’s director, had a heavy hand in. But the connections to the Netflix show do not stop there, with its showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar being the writers behind the movie’s screenplay.
However, some may be dismayed to find out that Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis have not returned to fulfill their roles as the iconic newly-deads of the first film. Their absence is cited as a result of their real-life age, since dead people cannot age in the movie’s world. And Tim Burton wanted to stay away from using CGI as much as possible, so de-aging was out of the question.
Nowadays, it is a surprise to see a lack of obvious CGI in movies, having become a staple of modern Hollywood. But “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” sticks to the style of its predecessor, relying on practical effects as much as possible. Tim Burton has ensured all the technical aspects are at their strongest here. The makeup, characters, and sets are so intricately designed with a wackiness that helps build a terrifically fun underworld to marvel at.
The movie was received generally well by critics, with its benefactors praising its ability to maintain the charm of the original, providing another exciting, zany ride of a movie. But after waiting for more than 30 years for the sequel, some critics didn’t have their expectations met. Its detractors’ most common criticisms are the disjointed plot points and the lackluster comedy. While others criticize the movie for being another lazy cash-in on nostalgia that’s all too abundant these days.
Students on campus had this to say about the film: “It’s a fun movie! Jenna Ortega and Betelgeuse are the best parts by far,” said an RWU student.
The consensus is clear, if you are a fan of the original, then “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is a must-watch. But even if you are not familiar with its precursor, the film still provides an enjoyable, silly time. And as the weather gets chillier and the leaves change color, I cannot imagine a better movie to watch for Halloween.
