Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice was released into theaters on March 30, 1988, over 36 years ago. The movie starred Michael Keaton as the titular bio-exorcist along with Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis as a married couple who seek out his services. It also introduced the world to a then-unknown Winona Ryder, playing the iconic Lydia Deetz. It was only the second feature-length theatrical film that Tim Burton had directed at the time, the first being 1985’s Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, and it was arguably the film that would make Burton a household name.
Beetlejuice helped create and solidify his signature aesthetic, and since its release, it has gone on to be a revered cult classic. It’s one of those movies that people have grown up with and then gone on to share with their own kids. For many, it is even a yearly Halloween re-watch, which makes the timing for Burton’s upcoming sequel just in time for this Halloween season perfect. But the question that has yet to be answered is whether this long-awaited sequel can possibly live up to the well-loved original.
What Challenges Does the Sequel Face?
With its incredible use of practical effects, stop-motion animation, and wonderful performances by all of its actors — leads and supporting cast alike — it’s no wonder that the first Beetlejuice has stood the test of time and is still so intensely loved by Burton fans. Its status as a cult classic has been thoroughly cemented by the fact that it continues to have a loyal fan base almost 40 years after its initial release.
Any sequel, reboot, or legacy follow-up of a property with a cult or loyal following is always going to be met with a certain amount of skepticism and scrutiny, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is no exception to this rule. For some fans, the mere existence of a sequel to a film that means so much to them and their childhood is seen as an affront, and for those viewers, there is almost nothing the sequel could do to win them over to its side. Most of what has been seen through articles and early reviews online, however, speaks less to a staunch opposition to a new entry in the Beetlejuice franchise, and more to a general skepticism mixed with a little bit of hope and anticipation.
The sequel film’s use of CGI and fewer practical effects has left some vocal fans of the original doubtful and concerned when it comes to the look and feel of this movie and its ability to match the charm of the first film. This possible critique has only grown in volume after the release and success of Alien: Romulus, a movie that seems to prove that audiences love practical effects when they’re utilized well. It is also a film that shows how a director’s dedication to authenticity and keeping true to the original aesthetic of a beloved franchise can pay off.
Although computer-generated effects have become the norm in the film industry, there are certain audiences that crave a return to the use of more traditional and practical effects, especially when it comes to remakes and sequels set within franchises that started back before CGI was possible. This is one of the concerns that seems to be most prevalent when it comes to how the Beetlejuice sequel might not quite live up to the original. However, it doesn’t seem that a lack of practical effects will be enough to keep moviegoers from going to see, and even enjoy, this sequel.
New and Returning Cast Members Blend Seamlessly
Unlike many direct and legacy sequels of recent years, well-done trailers and marketing have left audiences feeling like they can have at least a little confidence in the promise of this movie. The return of the original director and three of the most iconic performers from the original — Catherine O’Hara, Winona Ryder, and, of course, Michael Keaton — has also helped to stave off premature criticism of the movie. Moreover, with current Burton “it girl” and budding scream queen Jenna Ortega rounding out the cast as Lydia Deetz’s daughter, Astrid, at least the people both behind and in front of the camera have left audiences feeling enthusiastic about the film’s potential.
These actors definitely don’t disappoint. One of the high points of this sequel is the incredible performances of the cast, both returning and new. Ortega plays Astrid, the more sensible and down-to-earth foil to Lydia Deetz and her belief in the supernatural, brilliantly. Willem Defoe also adds a lot of fun with his role as a former actor playing at being an afterlife cop hunting down any Netherworld law-breakers. Both characters play off of the original cast incredibly well, fitting into the world of Beetlejuice as if they have always been there. The returning cast, meanwhile, don’t miss a beat in reprising their roles. O’Hara, Ryder, and Keaton’s performances could easily make viewers believe that the actors never stepped away from these roles, as if it hasn’t been 36 years since the last movie.
Beetlejuice 2’s Writing Retains the Original’s Charm
As with many sequels, especially those so far removed by time from the original, it seems that the general consensus among critics and fans is that it’s unlikely the new movie will recapture the exact magic and charm of the original. To recapture the magic of a film that is so intensely treasured and fondly remembered by audiences would be nearly impossible, after all. The sequel, however, is still being hailed by early reviews as a fun and exciting follow-up to the well-loved first film, and though it might not have the same late ’80s appeal as Beetlejuice, it still seems likely that it will be a classic in its own right; a new Beetlejuice for a new generation to fall in love with.
The writing for this new entry in the Beetlejuice franchise is still as sharp, witty, and deliciously dark as the first film. The sense of humor and smart writing feel like a return to form for Burton and make this film a fantastic entry in his catalog of work. The kitschy and colorful world of the afterlife along with the German Expressionist-inspired set design for the Netherworld will remind fans of the original Burton aesthetic that the first Beetlejuice helped establish.
Modern Special Effects Aren’t Always Better
Although the CGI special effects do smooth out some of the rougher edges of the claymation, stop-motion, and body horror effects, audiences can still recognize the connection to the original. While the movie may look more slick overall, which some fans may say causes the sequel to lack the charm of the old movie and its practical effects, there is still a clear love and passion that went into this film, and that makes it feel like an authentic successor to the first movie.
Additionally, while the titular Beetlejuice may seem less bombastic and over the top compared to his character in the 1988 movie, Keaton still manages to play him with all the smarmy charisma that made audiences fall in love with the character in the first place. So, while this movie may not be quite as beloved as the original, and may not join it in the hall of fame for cult classics, it is still a solid entry in the franchise and definitely worth seeing for any fans of the first Beetlejuice.
A Critical and Commercial Success
Currently, the sequel sits at an impressive 77% RottenTomatoes critics score, only 5% lower than the original. It also holds an 81% audience score on RottenTomatoes, just 1% below the original. While it’s impossible to know if and how that might change as more people see and review Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the early reviews and positive response over the past week since its opening have set the movie up for a good start. The positive response from critics and the openness of audiences towards this new sequel have allowed it the chance that many sequels and new franchise entries for cult movies don’t often get — the chance to stand on its own and prove itself both as a film and as a follow-up to a beloved classic.
