The iconic Halloween movie “Beetlejuice,” released in 1988, comes back to theaters as a modern day sequel called “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” directed by Tim Burton. In the original a young couple that lives secluded in the white house at the top of the hill suddenly dies. They return as ghosts and when a new family moves in they decide to try and haunt them out. However, they soon discover that the family cannot see the couple except for the daughter, Lydia Deetz. To aid with the departure of the new family the couple hires Beetlejuice to exorcise them successfully. His appearance wreaks havoc on the couple and the family when he tries to marry Lydia in order to come back to the world of the living for good.
Winona Ryder has rekindled with her old character, Lydia Deetz, Catherine O’hara revived her role as Delia Deetz and most importantly, Beetlejuice is being played yet again by Michael Keaton. Although there are many reappearances, there are also various new characters. Jenna Ortega plays Astrid Deetz, Lydia’s daughter. Ortega is one of the main reasons why people came to see this film. She is a phenomenal actor that can easily portray a stolid, dark poise which we can see in the multiple scary movies and shows she has been in. Monica Bellucci is Delores, a significant and mysterious character from when Beetlejuice was among the living. Willem Dafoe executes the role of Wolf Jackson, a deceased actor, flawlessly. Finally, Arthur Conti portrays Jeremy who suddenly appears in Astrid’s life after a chaotic introduction. These characters contribute to four entertaining story lines that come together in unexpected ways.
Lydia is now the host on a popular paranormal talk show with her new boyfriend and manager, Rory, played by Justin Theroux. Astrid goes to a private school away from her mom and Delia’s art career has taken off. The Deetz family is reunited in Winter River after an unexpected death strikes the family. While there, Astrid is introduced to her mother’s old home in the small town. This movie is a series of twists and turns that will leave you shocked. It has various creative scenes with innovative ideas that really captures the mind of Tim Burton.
Keaton, Ryder and O’Hara all make it look like 36 years have not passed; their roles could not have been more timeless. To replay a character four decades later is an extremely impressive feat.Delia is trying to cope with the family’s most recent death. Lydia is aiming to protect the ones she loves from her devious past. Beetlejuice is trying to handle death in the afterlife. Astrid is attempting to make a new friend and create a new path, free from the shadow of her famous mother. Lydia is starting to remember old, and unpleasant, memories. Past lovers and rivals have returned and it is a whirlwind of emotions as Astrid takes a step into the afterlife, just like her mother once did many years before.
This spooky movie is a must watch as the scary season is approaching. It is weird, frightening, funny, entertaining and nostalgic all at the same time. The actors really make the characters come to life and perfectly capture the world of Beetlejuice. With all its crazy phenomena and spine chilling creatures, it is a piece of media that is worth the watch.
