Exceeded My Expectations With Its Wit, Jokes, A Mix Of The Afterlife And Is Spot On Brilliant
Published: September 9, 2024
By: Emma O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia's life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened. With trouble brewing in both realms, it's only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice's name three times and
the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Emma O. comments, “I love Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. This movie has wit, jokes and a mix of the afterlife. It exceeded my expectations and is spot on brilliant. Every aspect of this film is jam-packed entertainment.”
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
By Emma O.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
I love Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. This movie has wit, jokes and a mix of the afterlife. It exceeded my expectations and is spot on brilliant. Every aspect of this film is jam-packed entertainment. Director Tim Burton delivers a fabulous sequel to Beetlejuice and the return of the original cast plus a few new faces adds to its charm. The storyline dives once more into the world of the afterlife with Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) and his quest to be in the world of the living. His need to become human intensifies when he realizes his soul-sucking ex-wife, Delores (Monica Bellucci) is out for revenge. Beetlejuice renews his focus to unite with human sweetheart, Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) to avoid death. Lydia is a grown adult and a famous medium. Her
daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega) does not believe in seeing ghosts and their relationship is broken from the death of her dad. Plots and sub-plots merge to create a chaotic and fun ending.
The opening musical score made me feel anticipation from the start. The film returns to the original white house on the hill in Winter River as the family morns for grandpa. Memories of the house from childhood have Lydia seeing flashes of Beetlejuice. The town offers an escape for her daughter to make new connections and a special friend. The original house is not the only nod to the original Beetlejuice. We revisit the long wait lines in the afterlife, shrunken head Bob, misshaped hallways and the sandworm. There’s an awesome Day O serenade. All of the special effects and makeup for the dead are fabulous. Delia (Catherine O’Hara) stands out to me — her dark tendencies for art become dark comic moments of dealing with grief. Her character is spunky and artistically fun. Beetlejuice is the consistent demon with head twirls, raspy voice and raunchy jokes. From costumes, sound effects, makeup and set design, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice does not disappoint.
The film’s message is to value the love of your family, here and now. Create memories for today and not dwell on the past. As amazing as this film is, it is a bit edgy with profanity, slight intimacy, violence, unsettling imagery, gore, jump scares and endless mentions of death and the afterlife. I give Beetlejuice Beetlejuice 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It’s in theaters now.
Official Trailer:
