The incredible sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” stars Michael Keaton, reprising his titular role from the first “Beetlejuice” movie, along with returning co-stars Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara as Lydia and Delia Deetz. The movie hit theaters on Sept. 6, and three weeks later, it still holds the number one spot in the weekend box office from Rotten Tomatoes.
This sequel adds new characters, such as Astrid Deetz, played by Jenna Ortega, and Jeremy Frazier, played by Arthur Conti. The film expands on the Beetlejuice universe with more backstory and new plot lines, but the sequel retains many elements from the original, such as the location being Winter River and the fear of coexisting with the dead.
Themes of family, death, marriage and the supernatural also reccur in Tim Burton’s wonderful sequel but with sharper focus than in the original. In both films, comedy continues to be incorporated, lending both movies the necessary lighthearted tone while dealing with the theme of death.
“I really enjoyed the movie and was brought to tears laughing during it,” junior Alexis Apirian said. “Although I did feel that there were an overwhelming number of storylines occurring, all at the same time, so at some points, it was difficult to follow along.”
Perilous plotlines befall many characters, including Delia; Lydia’s daughter, Astrid; and Lydia, who seeks the help of Beetlejuice. Despite the new plot points, betrayal remains a set-in-stone theme right through to the climax in both films.
Filmgoers become more and more connected to the characters in the sequel as their past experiences are revealed. The film also takes a trip down memory lane by exploring Beetlejuice’s own backstory, which takes place during his mortal life and explains his motive to avenge his death. It also reveals why Beetlejuice is such an ironic character who always has a story to tell, whether it be about marriage or death.
“For the overall story, I appreciate how the makers of the movie included elements of Lydia’s daughter, Astrid,” sophomore Olivia Theerman said. “I also like how they made Astrid doubt the afterlife and think her perspective on reality was the only one that existed.”
An astonishing plot twist takes place at the end that begs the question: Will Beetlejuice ever leave the Deetz family alone, or will he continue to haunt them until he gets what he really wants? Also, does he have any chance of escaping the Neitherworld, so he can create even more chaos in the “mortal world”?
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” does a great job making connections to the original “Beetlejuice,” as it emphasizes that even crazy people in a crazy world should know that death is for the dead and life is for the living.
