It has been 30 years since the release of Tim Burton’s original film “Beetlejuice,” the highly anticipated sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” finally hit the box office on Sep. 6. The new film has sparked conversation between film fans and critics alike, grossing an impressive $110 million within its opening weekend. As of late, many sequels end up as a quick cash grab as opposed to quality work, which left many fans wondering whether “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” would live up to its predecessor, or fall short.
The new film brought out a majority of the main cast from the original movie. For example, Michael Keaton reprised his role as Beetlejuice and Winona Ryder reprised hers as Lydia Deetz. Some of the newer characters include Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, played by Jenna Ortega, who shares an estranged relationship with her mother.
The new film was accompanied with the same vibrant and odd visual scenes as the old film. The plot followed the death of Lydia’s step-father, bringing them back to the original house and town. This however, came with an array of issues including Beetlejuice, the dead, and backstabbing boyfriends.
The film ran for almost 2 hours, including many subplots that introduced a variety of interesting ideas while also expanding on details from the first movie. However, despite this, the film was underwhelming. While several plotlines developed, most of them lacked any true substance. Additionally, the vast amount of subplots made it easy to get lost every time a scene switched.
Salem Stiles, a sophomore at Briar Woods High School said, “The new movie had its bad moments, but overall it had a very authentic feel to it. The plot felt like it took a backseat to the importance of making it nostalgic.”
Although, for those unfamiliar with the original, does the new film offer any appeal? Kaitlin Puffenberger, a sophomore, who has never seen the original “Beetlejuice,” said, “ While I had never seen the original movie before, but I thought this one was funny, although it wasn’t all that thought provoking, it still makes me want to watch the original.”
The new film “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” offers a nostalgic return for fans of the original film “Beetlejuice,” although it lacks the memorability that was carried within the plot of the original movie, as it was often overshadowed by comedy and confusion. Despite shortcomings within the new movie, it still manages to let its humor shine, which thankfully ensures that no matter who is watching, whether it be a lifetime fan or a newcomer to the franchise, they are sure to get a good laugh and an enjoyable time.
