Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – Movie Review (4/5)

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE is out on PVOD. If you still haven’t watched it, now is the chance. Otherwise, rewatch this genre gem. The first movie is a cult classic while this is a kitsch treat – and equally iconic. Read our full Beetlejuice Beetlejuice movie review here!

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE can now be watched on PVOD in perfect timing for Halloween. Watching the two Beetlejuice movies is ideal for a splendid Halloween. The fact that many will undoubtedly dress up as characters from these movies is just a bonus.

The soundtrack alone for this movie is brilliant. Not least, an iconic song from that first movie in a new (and quite unique) version. When the end credits came, I was thinking two things; First, I can’t wait to watch this again. Second; I need to get that soundtrack.

Continue reading our Beetlejuice Beetlejuice movie review below. Find it on VOD (everywhere from Apple TV and Prime Video to Vudu/Fandango at Home) from October 8, 2024.

A deliciously gross and wonderful sequel

In Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, we meet the Deetz family just as an unexpected family tragedy has happened. And yes, we do see this tragedy in a flashback, though not a classic kind of flashback. It is, however, a very Tim Burton kind of flashback, so it’s perfect for this movie.

Anyway, the tragedy results in three generations of the Deetz family returning home to Winter River. Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) has managed to make a career of her ability to see ghosts. However, she has also recently begun to be haunted by Beetlejuice, who has never given up on her.

Lydia also has a daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), who does not believe in her mother’s abilities. At all! Fortunately, Delia Deetz (Catherine O’Hara) is also still there and remembers everything that happened in that house decades ago.

Being the rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid quickly discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic. And also, in a roundabout way, comes to learn of the portal to the Afterlife.

This time around, Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) also has trouble of his own. That one story isn’t explored too much, but that’s hardly a problem for the overall plot. And, of course, with all the trouble of both worlds, someone is bound to call out for Betelgeuse.

As always, this will result in mayhem, but Beetlejuice also has a way of helping. For a price, obviously!

From cult to kitsch and utterly iconic

To say that Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a long-awaited sequel doesn’t quite cut it. The original Beetlejuice came out in 1988, and since then, people have been hoping for – but never quite dared to expect – a sequel. And in 2024, we finally got it!

The story was originally about a ghost recruited to help haunt a house. Or well, Betelgeuse, which is the actual name of the title character, as shown in both movies, is actually more of a demon than a ghost. A hybrid, if you will.

While the 1988 movie is a cult classic, I found this 2024 Beetlejuice sequel to be more kitsch. And also, dare I say it, even better! It so rarely happens, but examples do exist. Of course, part of it has to do with the evolution of filmmaking. The pace is just faster now than in the 1980s.

Also, there are so many meta layers in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and not one opportunity is missed. From joking about why certain characters can’t be in this sequel to the classic horror-comedy elements. I absolutely adored this sequel!

Watch Beetlejuice Beetlejuice on Digital now!

Tim Burton is obviously back to direct this sequel. I cannot imagine it would’ve been made without him at the helm. As stated in some of the press material, Tim Burton is “a genre unto himself”. Trying to have anyone else direct, while he is still here, would be an imitation.

The screenplay comes from Alfred Gough & Miles Millar (Wednesday) with the story by them both and Seth Grahame-Smith (The LEGO® Batman Movie). Of course, based on characters created by Michael McDowell & Larry Wilson.

Aside from Jenna Ortega (X) joining the cast, we also get the pleasure of a few other newcomers. These include Justin Theroux (The Girl on the Train), Monica Bellucci (Spectre, The Matrix movies), Arthur Conti (House of the Dragon), and Willem Dafoe (Poor Things).

I expected to be happy with this sequel based purely on the cast and the trailer. However, I didn’t expect to actually love this movie. And I do. I really do!

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice premiered in Theaters on September 6, 2024. Now, just over a month later, it’s out on PVOD & Digital release from October 8, 2024. 

If you want to own a physical copy on DVD, the release of the Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice DVD is slated for November 19, 2024.

Details

In Theaters: September 6, 2024
PVOD: October 8, 2024
Genres: Horror, Comedy
Director: Tim Burton
Writers: Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, Seth Grahame-Smith
Cast: Jenna Ortega, Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe, Catherine O’Hara, Justin Theroux, Filipe Cates