By: Michelle Gomez
Hollywood seems to have a magic recipe for audience appeal lately: nostalgia. And who can blame them? After all, who doesn’t love a good trip back in time with sequels, remakes, and the return of our favorite actors? And if anyone knows how to do it with style, it’s Tim Burton. So, when Beetlejuice 2, or rather Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, was released last September 6, we couldn’t resist the temptation to relive that dark magic we love so much.
The first Beetlejuice debuted 36 years ago, and boy, did it leave its mark. Not only was it a box-office hit, but it became a key piece of popular culture. Don’t believe me? Just look at how many people dress up as these iconic characters every Halloween. It’s a movie that not only stuck in our minds but became embedded in our traditions. So, with all this anticipation, how about diving into this new adventure together?
Back to Winter River: A Journey to the Past with a Modern Twist
The plot takes us back to Winter River, that little town where it all began, and more specifically, to the old house of the Maitlands, the former owners who did their thing in the first movie. This is where Lydia (played by the always fascinating Winona Ryder), along with her mother Delia Deetz (Catherine O’Hara), her teenage daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega), and her new boyfriend Rory (Justin Theroux), gather for the funeral of Lydia’s father, Charles Deetz. But wait, are you wondering why the original actor who played Charles, Jeffrey Jones, doesn’t show up? If you’re curious for a good tidbit, I invite you to google the reason, because I assure you’ll be in for a surprise. Although the reasons for his absence in real life are disturbing, the film handles it with a funny and entertaining twist, making this the trigger that brings this very particular family back to Winter River.
Lydia and the Return of an Old Acquaintance
Now let’s talk about our beloved Lydia. Seeing her back on screen, with that mix of mystery and vulnerability that only Winona Ryder can give her, it’s as if time hasn’t passed. Lydia is now a medium and star of a famous “Ghostbusters”-style show, but things are not so simple. She begins to have visions of Beetlejuice, our beloved (and dreaded) ghost, and fears that his return is imminent. What’s interesting is that Lydia now has a daughter, Astrid, a teenager who doesn’t believe in ghosts and is more inclined towards science. This contrast between mother and daughter adds a fresh dynamic to the plot, giving us both comic and emotional moments.
The Afterlife Was Never This Much Fun
Meanwhile, what has Beetlejuice been up to all these years? Well, our favorite ghost, played by the incomparable Michael Keaton, is in the afterlife running his own telecommunications business (yes, you read that right, afterlife telecommunications!). But things get complicated when he learns that his ex-wife, played by the dazzling Monica Bellucci, has awakened and is out for revenge. This subplot gives the film a fun and bizarre feel, very much in Burton’s style.
The “Beyond” set is a real visual treat. If you were a fan of Tim Burton’s dark and quirky style in the 90’s, get ready for a nostalgic trip. And speaking of nostalgia, the music is provided by Danny Elfman, Burton’s inseparable partner in crime, who gives us a soundtrack that will make you feel like we never left the 80s.
An Ending That Will Make You Dance
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice not only brings back nostalgia, but offers us a story full of fun twists, musical numbers (yes, musical!), and moments that will have you humming as you leave the theater. Plus, cameo appearances by Willem Dafoe, Danny DeVito, and Burn Gorman add an extra touch of fun and wackiness to this already eccentric adventure.
In short, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is everything we could have hoped for and more. It’s a love letter to fans of the original, a reminder of why we love these characters so much, and a chance for a new generation to fall in love with the quirky and fascinating world of Beetlejuice. So, if you’re looking for a movie that will make you laugh, sing along and feel a little nostalgic, you can’t miss it – Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! What are you waiting for to say his name?
