Released in theaters on Sept. 6, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” generated more than $100 million in box office revenue, proving it is on its way to becoming a modern Halloween classic.
In keeping with Tim Burton’s recognizable directing style, as seen in his other films including “Frankenweenie,” the original “Beetlejuice” and “Corpse Bride,” this movie strikes the right balance between humor and horror with whimsical characters, spooky scenery and gothic elements that appeal to all ages.
At one hour and forty-five minutes, the movie may seem short, but it’s action-packed and full of unexpected plot twists. The PG-13 rating clearly aims the film at young adults. However, there is still gore, strong language, the involvement of drugs, as well as suggestive material.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is set in the fictional town of Winter River, Vermont. In the movie, Lydia Deets, played by Winona Ryder and her daughter Astrid Deetz, played by Jenna Ortega, return to Deet’s’s childhood home after a family tragedy occurs. Lydia’s father has died and her mother, played by Catherine O’Hara, is mourning the loss and planning the funeral service. While the three generations are gathered, it becomes evident that Lydia and Astrid’s relationship is strained after the death of her grandfather and father. As a result, Astrid spends as much time as possible away from home and befriends a boy named Jeremy who lures her into the afterlife with the promise that she can see her deceased father again. Lydia immediately recognizes the danger Astrid is in, and determined to bring her daughter back from the afterlife, makes a deal with a deceitful demon from her past named Beetlejuice. From there a dangerous game unfolds and it’s up to Lydia to bring Astrid and herself back to the land of the living before it’s too late.
The film budget was well-utilized. The special effects, costumes and soundtrack make for a chaotic viewer experience which some critics found to be a drawback of the film. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” has a rating of 6.9 out of 10 on IMDB and a decent rotten tomatoes score, at 77%. The film was also nominated for the category Next Best Movie at the Astra Midseason Movie Awards.
The movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” was captivating, with lots of creative twists and turns, and I would definitely recommend it as a fun holiday movie to watch with family and friends. For those who missed it in the theater, the movie can now be watched on a variety of streaming platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Youtube and Google Play.
Whether audiences plan to watch the movie once or even three times, it will no doubt continue to draw them in as they take a ride to the wild side with Lydia, Astrid and Beetlejuice.
Rating: 8 out of 10
