It’s been 35 haunted years since the first “Beetlejuice” movie was released in 1988. The decades since have awarded the movie cult-horror status and a dedicated fanbase excited for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” released Sept. 6. I remember watching Beetlejuice as a kid, inspired by Tim Burton’s quirky gothic aesthetic and Lydia Deetz’s gloomy teen personality. Watching the movie now, close to Lydia’s age, has brought me back to that same ghost-struck feeling in the best way possible, all thanks to the amazing crew working on reviving “Beetlejuice” from the grave.
In my opinion, the best way to create a sequel is to maintain and improve upon the craft of the previous movies. Many studios try to reinvent a new universe instead of recognizing the vast potential of building on the cinematic techniques that made the first movie so good. Warner Bros set out in 1990 to write a sequel to “Beetlejuice” and did the original proud by keeping the key elements of what made it a classic. For “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Burton successfully kept the special effects, soundtrack, masterful set building, costumes, acting, and overall aesthetic that built his well-known directorial style. This movie is an example of how to do a sequel right.
While the plot is little reference heavy to the original, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” follows the Deetz family tree decades after the first movie and the reappearance of the trickster demon Beetlejuice. One of the most important ingredients of a great sequel is a returning cast, with Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, and Catherine O’Hara returning to star in the film. They shine in their roles, with Beetlejuice delivering the same quick-witted lines, Lydia’s’ worried repartee, and Deelia Deetz idiosyncratic tendencies. Jenna Ortega marks a new addition to the main cast, playing Astrid Deetz. Ortega seems to be carving her name as a hall-of-fame horror actress, playing an eerily similar role in this movie to “Wednesday Addams.” Other characters include Delores (strangely also mimicking Morticia Addams), Wolf Jackson, Rory and Jeremy, who all match the returning actor’s energy. Overall, the cast and extras all yielded comedically magic moments.
The “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” crew exceeded my initial expectations and brought the same level of slapstick gore, iconic costumes, and spooky sets to the film. A plethora of special effects and prosthetic staff pulled off impressive undead surrealism that is key to the film’s underworld, making spectacular undead characters like Charles Deetz and his shark-bitten, blood-spurting body. Costume designer Collen Atwood paid homage to the original movie with Beetlejuice’s suit and Lydia’s classic black palette while outfitting the entire cast in peak Burtoneqsue gothic attire. The scenic and props department beautifully maintained the Deetz’s family white house and the purgatory waiting room that all of us are familiar with, while also scattering Deelia’s beloved sculptures as Easter eggs across sets. The lighting and soundtrack added depth and atmosphere, crucial to the creepy fall setting. The crew effectively created the immaculately nostalgic feel of the Beetlejuice universe.
In conclusion, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” was a great sequel and a lesson in how to correctly create one. The film’s release ushers in the fall season and perhaps a spike in Beetlejuice costumes for Halloween. All is well in the land of the living and dead when another horror classic is made.
