After being shelved by Warner Bros. in 2019, the chances of a Beetlejuice sequel were meek. Then, in 2022, the Juice received a hell-mary when Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment revived those hopes by partnering with Warner Bros. to produce it. Today, the world waits anxiously for the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice theatrical release. Here’s what fans and critics have to say so far.
The 81st Venice Film Festival kicked off last Wednesday, August 28, with the premiere of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. The Sequel, which received a 4-minute 35-second standing ovation, set the bar high for this for its worldwide release. Director Tim Burton insisted this project is not a “sequel for loads of money” but rather “a very personal film.” So, what can audiences expect from Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in theaters?
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The film continues 35 years after the first. Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) is still haunted by Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) and struggles to connect with her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega). An unexpected tragedy brings three generations of Deetz back together in their winter river home. Astrid discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic, and the portal to the afterlife is accidentally opened. Now, Lydia must race to contend with the trouble brewing in both realms before someone unleashes Beetlejuice and his mayhem.
Sound familiar? If you’ve seen the original Beetlejuice, this plot may not surprise you but don’t jump to conclusions just yet. Deadline’s Stephanie Banbury calls Beetlejuice Beetlejuice “a blast to watch,” adding, “It also has a proper plot, full of twists and turns; terrific cameo characters supporting the impeccable main cast,” and much more. Boasting further that this film is “a proper showpiece.”
Another enthusiastic review of the film came from the BBC, regarding the film as “A gleefully zany farce packed with knock-out punchlines and great practical effects.” The Radio Times described the film as “a rambunctious sequel with some delicious moments.” Even The Playlist, which favored Burton’s directing while criticizing the Intellectual Property that looms a tad large over the film, regards it as a “stand out in a sea of ill-conceived sequels.”
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While most audiences’ attitudes towards sequels are that they are ill-conceived or merely cash grabs, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has so far escaped such criticism on all fronts. Not only an improvement over the first picture but a worthwhile story on its own, it appeals to audiences based on being unique and fun to watch. Time Magazine captures the general mood in its summary: “This sequel to Burton’s 1988 cracked pop masterpiece Beetlejuice doesn’t strive for greatness, or even your garden variety over-the-top fantastical vision. Instead, Burton has just allowed himself to be silly and have fun.”
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice premieres in the United States tomorrow, September 6. Grab your tickets here and check out the official trailer below!
