Cult-classic Beetlejuice is back again!
With a star-studded cast and directed by Tim Burton, it was no surprise that Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has been yet another highly anticipated movie for this year.
Having attended Warner Bros. New Zealand’s premiere of the movie, it was fantastic to see so many audience members dressed up in their Beetlejuice-inspired attire, with lots of green contrasted against black and white stripes. There were also Beetlejuice-themed drinks like the Beetle Tonic, a Fizzy Beetle Juice, and some Beetlejuice cake, which was served once the movie had ended.
On entering the cinema hall, everyone seemed to be having a good time scanning the QR codes and taking selfies that led them to the afterlife. Once the cast of the movie appeared on screen, there was a lot of hooting, which clearly showcased the enthusiastic fan-following the original film and characters have had over the years.
Returning to screens 36 years later, Betelgeuse, played by Michael Keaton, remained as iconic as ever.
Other returning members of the original cast include Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz and Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz, with new cast members Justin Theroux as Rory, Monica Bellucci as Delores, Jenna Ortega as Astrid, Arthur Conti as Jeremy, and Willem Dafoe as Wolf Jackson.
The movie follows Charles’ death, which leads the three generations of the Deetz family to return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s life is turned upside down when her daughter, Astrid, discovers some hidden secrets. The portal to the Afterlife is reopened as she falls for Jeremy, who turns out to be a ghost.
As things worsened, someone or the other had to say THE NAME thrice and unleash Betelgeuse.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice brings back the original’s quirky, gothic charm, with Michael Keaton delivering a lively performance as the titular character. The film leaned heavily on nostalgia and perfectly captured Tim Burton’s essence, which is known and loved by all, with its unique set designs and music by Danny Elfman.
While the film embraces childlike, cartoonish nostalgia, it remains a weird and wonderfully entertaining supernatural horror-comedy filled with fun moments, making audiences chuckle throughout. The music is stunning, particularly during the epic wedding dream sequence.
It was terrific to see Jenna Ortega dance again as a Tim Burton character, and Monica Bellucci’s character’s opening as the soul sucker, fixing herself up with a stapler, was something that will be remembered forever.
Although it felt a bit crowded with new characters like Jeremy, Delores and Wolf Jackson, the actors made such a massive impact despite not having enough screen time to develop fully—also, a shout-out to Danny DeVito’s cameo.
Tim Burton strikes a balance, using modern technology without over-reliance and delivering a satisfying experience using practical effects and sets, which gives it its chaotic charm.
From Jenna Ortega’s Marie Curie Halloween costume as well as her funeral outfit, to Catherine O’Hara’s over-the-top looks, Winona Ryder’s red wedding gown as well as Monica Bellucci’s black wedding gown to Bob and even the other side characters, costume designer Colleen Atwood did a superb job, and I’m sure there will be a lot more than usual Beetlejuice Halloween costumes this year.
Lastly, #RIP Bob. You’ll be missed, and creepy Baby Betelgeuse, I don’t want to talk about it.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a blend of chaotic fun and nostalgic charm, enjoyable for its performances and visual creativity. It will be released on Thursday, the 5th of September, in New Zealand.
OUR RATING – 4.5/5
