Movies

Do you need to watch the original Beetlejuice to enjoy the new sequel?

BBG News

As a child of the ’80s and ’90s, Beetlejuice was more than just a movie to me – it was a gateway into the fantastical world of Tim Burton, a realm where the macabre and the whimsical danced hand in hand. So when I heard about the long-awaited sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, I couldn’t contain my excitement!

The spirit with the greatest comeback has resurfaced following more than three decades, and everyone is eagerly waiting for Tim Burton and his team to create another timeless masterpiece. Back in 1988, “Beetlejuice” was released, receiving both critical acclaim and commercial success. Although discussions about a sequel have been ongoing among the cast for years, it’s only now that we can watch “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” Generally, I’m not a fan of following up on cherished films like this one; however, with original actors Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara returning to the fold, it’s been challenging to suppress my anticipation.

In simpler terms, the classic movie “Beetlejuice” tells the story of a couple, Barbara (played by Geena Davis) and Adam (Alec Baldwin), who unfortunately meet their end in a severe car accident. Unaware of their demise, they later discover their fate using a book titled “The Handbook for the Recently Deceased.” Realizing they’re now ghosts, they aim to safeguard their home from new owners who move in. Struggling with their limited ghostly abilities, they decide to bring Betelgeuse (played by Michael Keaton) into the picture, hoping he can help scare the intruders away.

You don’t need to watch Beetlejuice before Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, but you should

As we move on to the next chapter of this story, set 36 years after the original film’s events, you might be questioning whether prior knowledge of the tale is necessary for enjoyment. While it’s possible to appreciate Beetlejuice Beetlejuice without watching the first installment, the experience will be far more enriching and heartfelt if you do, as some elements may be lost on those unfamiliar with the original plotlines. However, even without prior knowledge, the sequel’s narrative is still accessible.

The plot of “Beetlejuice” revolves around Lydia Deetz (Ryder), who is now a mother to a teenager named Astrid (Jenna Ortega). Tragedy strikes when her stepfather Charles passes away, leading the family to return to their old home in Winter River, Connecticut for his funeral. Lydia’s mother Delia (O’Hara) is also present at these services. However, things don’t go as planned and Lydia finds herself in a tight spot. Desperate for help, she unwittingly summons Betelgeuse, resulting in a whirlwind of mayhem.

In the new film, there are numerous nods to the initial movie that could be missed if you haven’t watched “Beetlejuice”. The character Betelgeuse, with his humor, might become grating if you’re not acquainted with the original film, and some of his jokes may not make sense to you. Additionally, several characters from the first movie reappear in the sequel, and while their roles could be enjoyable, they might not provide that thrilling feeling if you don’t recognize them already.

If you watched Beetlejuice a while ago, it might be a good idea to rewatch it before the sequel comes out. Even Betelgeuse himself recently re-watched the original film in preparation for part two, and Michael Keaton said he laughed just like any other fan at his own performance in the movie. After all, who wouldn’t find it amusing?

Beetlejuice is my favorite horror-comedy I grew up watching, and with a short 92-minute runtime, there should be nothing stopping you from watching it before Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. The original is currently streaming on Max, so consider watching it tonight before heading to the movie theaters this weekend. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!

You can purchase tickets for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” right here on Fandango. If you’re eagerly waiting to stream the sequel, since it’s a Warner Bros. production, we anticipate it will become available on Max within the upcoming months.

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2024-09-07 01:25

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