'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' Is a Dive Into Teenage Angst And a Mysterious Afterlife Portal

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice ! In case you’ve somehow missed the continuous updates and month-long promotional cycle , the iconic 1988 cult-classic Beetlejuice (one of the best films of the 1980s in my opinion) has gotten a 2024 update, and I’ve already booked my ticket to go see it for a second time this weekend (seriously). Now I have to admit, I’m not typically fond of remakes and sequels (especially when the original is such a classic), so when the announcement was made that this movie was getting a part two, I did, indeed, take a deep sigh. Despite not being overly enthusiastic, I also knew that when the time came, I would still be plopped in the front row of the theater with my popcorn in-hand to give my armchair critic review. I’ll spare you my rant on how I think Hollywood needs more original content (for now, at least) because to my surprise, I actually like Beetlejuice Beetlejuice almost as much as the original.

I will gladly eat crow and admit I’m happy I gave it a shot. Here is why you should too. (And don't worry—no spoilers ahead.)

1. The Storyline

Warner Bros. Pictures

Unlike some sequels, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice actually does feel like a natural extension of the first film with its intriguing storyline and visuals. While this is a spoiler-free review, I can tell you this follow-up hones in on the Deetz family returning home to the whimsical Winter River after a family tragedy strikes. While there, Lydia’s (Winona Ryder) rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid ( Jenna Ortega ) discovers a portal that unlocks the ghouly afterlife. And here's where things get really interesting: Astrid has a troubled relationship with her mother because she is embarrassed by her lack of abilities. What kind of abilities, you ask? In short, Astrid doesn't think of her mom as an adequate medium because she is unable to see and communicate with her late father, which frustrates her greatly and only adds to their tension. It's the usual mother-daughter teen drama...you know, with a ghostly twist. As for the star of the show, let’s just say—if you say Beetlejuice three times in a row, the little devil just might come back…

2. Tim Burton Brings the Horror

Warner Bros. Pictures

In my opinion, no other director would have been capable of capturing the Beetlejuice essence in the way of Tim Burton, who, of course, also directed the original 1988 film. In the late 1980s, Burton was a new director on the scene, looking to make a name for himself and establish a niche. Now, over 35 years later, the legendary director has become a defining figure of the horror genre, with titles like Edward Scissorhands , Corpse Bride and The Nightmare Before Christmas , just to name a few. Burton brings a new depth to the afterlife while still maintaining the charm we all fell in love with upon seeing the original for the first time, and that is something to be appreciated.

3. Michael Keaton

Warner Bros. Pictures

No Michael Keaton, no Beetlejuice —it’s really as simple as that. As on the fence as I was about this movie at first, I would have skipped it altogether if Keaton wasn’t coming back (and I’m not joking either). Clearly, I’m not alone in this feeling, as the actor told the New York Times in a recent interview that both he and Burton wondered if there should even be a follow-up at all. "I’ve done reboots, rehabs, re-whatever’s," Burton explained to the publication. He continued: "I don’t care about any of that. I wanted to do this because of Michael and Catherine and Winona."

Keaton added: "I said, 'Tim, If I ever do this again, I cannot be in it more than I was in the first one. Really, that would be a huge mistake…No. 2, it has to feel handmade like our first one — less, less, less, if any, technology.' And he was way ahead of me there. You almost want to see a little bit of plywood, you know what I mean?" It’s this exact old-school element that won me over the most as the film maintains that fuzzy 1980s charm without feeling outdated.

All-in-all, I’m glad I gave Beetlejuice Beetlejuice a chance…which is exactly why I’m going to see it again.

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