Nine times out of ten, the original outshines the sequel, and unfortunately, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is no exception. While the original remains a comforting cult classic, the sequel missed the mark on capturing the same vibe.
35 years ago, Tim Burton introduced us to Barbara and Adam Maitland, as well as the mischievous demon Beetlejuice. The 1988 film opened doors to the afterlife and blended horror with comedy in a way that
captivated audiences. As a kid, I found the original film terrifying, but now I see it as more hilarious than anything.
After viewing the 2024 sequel, I found myself wondering what made the two movies so different.
For one, the plot of the sequel is more complex compared to its predecessor. The addition of multiple characters was sometimes difficult to keep up with.
It’s also worth mentioning that Winona Ryder has lost a little of her touch. It seems that after all these years, she’s forgotten how to play Lydia Deetz. Her facial expressions were interesting and very expressive. That’s not saying she’s not a goth queen anymore. I’m just confused as to why she looked to be in shock the entire movie.
Despite my issues with the plot, actors like Willem Dafoe and Danny DeVito gave the movie some extra charm. Michael Keaton was as unforgettable as ever in his role. I truly could not name a better person to play Beetlejuice.
Catherine O’Hara brought her comedic brilliance and Jenna Ortega added a refreshing Gen Z touch. I did enjoy learning some Beetlejuice lore, and seeing the afterlife in better quality was an amazing experience. The visual effects were a step up from the original, but it’s important to remember that the films are years apart — a significant gap in technological advancements.
Despite its shortcomings, “Beetlejuice Beetllejuice” had its moments and was far from unenjoyable. I can’t wait for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
