I’m pretty sure I mentioned in my last movie review, that I’d not mention the whole estranged child trope plaguing Hollywood. Beetlejuice/Beetlejuice however, has something to say about this overused cliché. So, let’s dig our grave. Did it work this time? Surprisingly, yes.
The movie starts with that all important Danny Elfmen Beetlejuice theme, mixed with modern beats. The same, over the town of Winter River flyby as the first one, this time at night, with of course, a few new additions and changes.
From there, we get an update to what happened to Lydia Deetz, now the star of her very own ghost show. During the show, she has an encounter with Beetlejuice, and from there, we’re introduced to a new character, Lydia’s sleazy boyfriend, who, has a very enjoyable downfall later. Who says the Beetlejuice is true evil? Let’s get back on track though, after that, we’re told Jeffrey Jones character, Charles, is killed off screen. He didn’t return, likely due to off screen legal issues. So, he had no part in this movie. Also missing are the Maitlands, who “moved on”, which in my opinion, is for the best. Although, it would have been nice to see a ghostly version of their younger selves as a cameo. Still, removing them was probably for the best. Their story is over, this new story in Beetlejuice/Beetlejuice is for all intense and purpose, is Lydia and Astrid’s story.
Let’s address the whole child estrangement cliche I mentioned at the start of this review. Lydia can see ghosts around her, but when you learn her husband was killed in South America, she confesses she cant see him. Astrid tells her she’s a crack pot, and uses not being able to see her father, as proof her “ability” to see dead people, is just fake. However, the difference here is every bit of tension between Lydia and Astrid feels warranted. You GET each one’s point of view. Astrid never seems to stray too far over the “I am better then you” line. That keeps her relatable. I have to actually hand it to the actresses, they by far, show the range of emotion needed to keep this cliché from being just that, a cliché. The father dying off screen, is also used to vindicate Lydia in Astrids eyes. So there’s character growth by both parties.
Anyway, back to the rest of the movie. When Charles dies off-screen, the Deetz are reunited at the old Maitland house along with Rory, Lydia’s now fiancée. Astrid wants nothing to do with the Deetz family and the sleazy producer boyfriend who follows her mom Lydia around. So she takes off and meets a boy who, right off the bat, seems too good to be true. Honestly, during this whole sequence, I was waiting for something bad to happen to Astrid. From then on, everything goes to hell. I won’t mention the rest of the movie, as it might be too much of a spoiler. If you loved the original Beetlejuice, then yes, you should see this.
Final thought, is it a good movie? Yes. Is worth seeing it on the big screen? Honestly, yes. It won’t be life changing, it may not even evoke much emotional reaction. But then, did the original? No. It was a good movie, with a decent plot, characters that are fun, and it just feels like a good time.