Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is the new hit movie for Halloween season, the sequel of the original 1988 cult classic, Beetlejuice. Released into theaters on Sept. 6, the movie already has viewers screaming for their lives, making a whooping 153 million dollars in its first week. Movie-goers have lined up outside theaters to find their way back into the afterlife in this beloved horror comedy.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice started production in 2022, which comes after thirty-four long years of fans begging for a sequel. Legendary director, Tim Burton, and producer, Mark Scruton, who both worked on the original movie, wanted this film to feel like a continuation of the original. They definitely succeeded, with Burton’s unique and extremely recognizable style that are key elements to the Beetlejuice world.
“The set looks amazing and so similar to the original. The set pieces were so vibrant and colorful which really made the movie pop,” said senior Max Siskin.
Staying true to the original, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was filmed in the town where Beetlejuice was, East Corinth, Vermont. Since Burton felt it was important for the sequel to feel true to the first film, the crew rebuilt the Deetz home in the exact position and location on top of a large hill overlooking the town. While the exterior was filmed in Vermont, the interior of the home and the rest of the movie was filmed in the Warner Bros. Studio in London.
This cast is terrifyingly good, featuring a mix of faces from the original and some new characters. Beetlejuice, the iconic ghoul himself, is played by Micheal Keaton, along with Winona Ryder who is reprising her role as Lydia Deetz. Another actor that came back for her role is Catherine O’Hara, who plays Delia Deetz. The sequel will also welcome some new characters to the franchise, such as Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, played by Jenna Ortega.
“Jenna Ortega did a great job and seeing Micheal Keaton back in the role was so cool,” said freshman Rowan Danow.
Other actors who have been welcomed into the afterlife are Willem Dafoe, who plays a detective named Wolf Jackson, and Monica Belluci who plays Beetlejuice’s ex-wife Delores. Another actor you may recognize is Justin Theroux, who plays Lydia’s shallow boyfriend. All of these new characters make this movie different from its predecessor.
The story begins as Lydia takes her ability to talk to ghosts and launches into stardom. This causes a rift in the mother-daughter relationship between Lydia and Astrid, who had just lost their father and grandfather. After 30 years, Beetlejuice wants to marry Lydia to escape from his ex-wife’s clutches.
“I thought the movie had a very interesting plot line, but I felt like there were too many side plots going on. I did, however, like the production quality. I felt as though the sets and the makeup were very close to the original movie,” said junior Aurora Mata.
Critics have said Micheal Keaton did an incredible job reprising his role as the infamous ghost. He was just as ghoulish, witty, and clever as the original. There were many interesting special effects as well, which upped the spooky-factor.
In addition to Michael Keaton’s outstanding performance, Winona Rider and Jenna Ortega also contributed great performances. Ortega fit perfectly into the cast and aesthetic of this movie, leaving many wishing Astrid’s plotline was explored further
“After watching the movie, I loved the effects they used throughout it. They really got creative and made the audience excited to see what is coming next. I thought the movie was great and I really enjoyed it,” said sophomore Helene Burke.
This film includes a fascinating twist many viewers did not expect, and the CGI was very well executed, giving the afterlife aesthetic that is so well known from the original. Audiences agree that Tim Burton did a great job putting this follow-up film together. This movie is a must watch for all lovers of Halloween, spooky season, and the original Beetlejuice.