I recall Tim Burton’s film, Beetlejuice from a very long time ago, but imagine my surprise when I saw the release of that film was March 30, 1988. It wasn’t even released in the fall in time for Halloween that year, but as time has gone on, it might have become a Halloween fan favorite for generations of people. Anyone born in the early 80s is now in their 40s and may possibly have children of their own. If you are a fan of Burton’s first film, I have no doubt Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will be a delight to see. This second film has some returning cast members, a few new to the film (but known for other roles they have in more current films/series) and a whole lot of mayhem as we know Beetlejuice to create. Burton and co-screenwriters Alfred Gough and Miles Millar (writers/creators of “Wednesday” TV series) keep the excitement going. Prepare to follow the stories of humans and the afterlife where Beetlejuice roams.
Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder, “Stranger Things” TV series) returns as a host of a popular New York-based TV series called “Ghost House with Lydia Deetz.” She is a widow after having been married to Richard (Santiago Cabrera, “Big Little Lies” TV series) and they had a daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega, “Wednesday,” Burton’s Netflix series). There is some serious family drama between them. Lydia’s step-grandmother Delia Deetz (Catharine O’Hara) is also widowed as her husband Charles (played in the original by Jeffrey Jones) lost his life while out on an adventure. Despite the strain of the family relationship, they return to Winter River for Charles’ funeral. Lydia’s producer of the show she hosts is also her boyfriend, Rory (Justin Theroux). There is some question about his ethics and interests, and Astrid seems to see right through him and that “relationship” with her mother.
While Astrid takes a break from the family funeral shenanigans, she meets a local boy Jeremy (Arthur Conti, “House of the Dragon” TV series) and they seem to share various interests, among them books. They plan to meet on Halloween night, and she agrees with the family to return before their festivities. The teens’ connection seems authentic, and Astrid agrees to join Jeremy in his room and read. This in and of itself is quite a great addition to the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice script. I find this highly entertaining – their sweet adolescent story, her mother learning some history of Jeremy and his home and the adventure that takes them in different directions. Arthur Conti does not have many acting credits yet; he was well cast to be Ortega’s love interest – and she has a vast list of credits and great performances.
Beetlejuice is still running his “office” in the afterlife where he has the office clerks in old school style (very low tech). Somehow, he becomes aware that his centuries old ex-wife, Delores (Monica Bellucci), a soul-sucking demon has somehow been revived and wants him back. Beetlejuice has set his eyes elsewhere – now that Lydia is back, he conjures a plan that he doesn’t want ruined. Michael Keaton steps in the role of Beetlejuice as if the original was just finished yesterday. He is superb. Yes, Willem Dafoe is in this film as Wolf Jackson, and he is fantastic in his role. I can’t spoil what he does. Burn Gorman portrays Father Damien who is involved from the funeral to the fun. Both have great scenes and performances in the film.
Rated PG-13 for violent content, macabre and bloody images, strong language, some suggestive material and brief drug use. Now in theaters and everywhere September 6, 2024.
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
###