In an era where modern-day trailers often spoil most of the plot and showcase the best lines and stunts of a movie, it’s a refreshing change to encounter a trailer that genuinely serves as a teaser. Such is the case with “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the eagerly anticipated sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 cult classic. The trailer for this sequel has been creating ripples of excitement for quite some time, offering glimpses of the chaos and fun that await without giving away too much.
In this new chapter, Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), the Goth teenager who could see ghosts and nearly married the bio-exorcist Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton) back in 1988, is now a grown woman with a show of her own called “Ghost House.” On her show, Lydia visits haunted houses, carrying forward her unique connection to the spirit world. However, her rebellious daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), is a skeptic. Astrid doubts her mother’s ghost-seeing abilities, especially considering that Lydia cannot see the ghost of her own husband, Richard (Santiago Cabrera), who is also Astrid’s father.
Lydia has moved on romantically and is now in a relationship with her show’s producer, Rory (Justin Theroux). Despite the new relationship, she continues to feel a lingering presence of Betelgeuse, even spotting him among the audience during one of her show tapings. The plot takes a poignant turn when Lydia’s father, Charles, passes away, prompting Lydia, her stepmother Delia (Catherine O’Hara), and Astrid to revisit the original Ghost House in Winter River. Meanwhile, in the netherworld, Betelgeuse is on the run from his vengeful ex-wife, Delores (Monica Bellucci), a witch capable of sucking souls, who had poisoned him during the plague era.
Astrid, initially unhappy about spending time with her mother, finds a surprising source of solace in her unexpected friendship with Jeremy (Arthur Conti), a young boy who spends his time reading Dostoevsky in his treehouse. As Halloween approaches, the quiet town of Winter River prepares for an array of events. These include Lydia’s witching-hour marriage to Rory, attended by a select group of influencers and a probable Netflix executive, while Astrid and Jeremy plan their own Halloween adventure by distributing candy to trick-or-treaters. Delia, meanwhile, busies herself recording eerie screams for her latest grief installation artwork.
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“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” has much to offer in terms of visual splendor and the compelling energy of its stellar cast. Michael Keaton reprises his role, bringing Betelgeuse to life with the same anarchic charm that made the character iconic. Winona Ryder perfectly captures Lydia’s evolution from a lost Goth girl to a lost Goth mother. Catherine O’Hara once again delivers a delightful performance as the eccentric installation artist, Delia.
Newcomers to the cast also add a refreshing zest to the film. Monica Bellucci captivates as the soul-sucking witch, Delores. Willem Dafoe shines as Wolf Jackson, a B-movie star embodying the essence of a classic hard-boiled detective, while Danny DeVito brings humor as the unlucky janitor who first encounters Delores’ wrath.
Visually, the film is a marvel, thanks to Tim Burton’s boundless imagination. The afterlife’s bureaucratic labyrinth, the fantastical Soul Train representing African American music, and the vivid depictions of various narrative elements serve as eye-popping treats. Burton employs a mix of visual styles, from classic black-and-white to animation, effectively telling Betelgeuse and Delores’ tragic love story. Even the grisly demise of Lydia’s father, Charles—decapitated by a shark after surviving a plane crash into the sea—adds an extra layer of dark humor to the mix.
Overall, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is a charming sequel that justifies the 36-year wait. Its blend of nostalgia, dark humor, and exceptional visual storytelling makes it a must-watch. The film stands as a testament to Tim Burton’s unique vision and the recurring magic his storytelling brings to the screen.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is now playing in theaters, offering audiences a deliciously eerie and entertaining spectacle.
Published – September 06, 2024, 05:20 PM IST
English Cinema | World Cinema
