How Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Connects to the Original Movie

As a long-time admirer of Tim Burton’s whimsical and macabre storytelling, I must say that the return of Beetlejuice, after nearly four decades, feels like a delightful reunion with an old friend. The sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, not only pays homage to its predecessor but also manages to breathe new life into the beloved characters and their quirky world.

36 years after its initial release, I find myself revisiting the eerie world of Tim Burton’s 1988 horror-comedy classic, “Beetlejuice,” with the long-anticipated sequel now gracing our cinema screens. The film has been met with favorable criticism and is projected to open domestically with a staggering $80 million, making it clear that this is a show not to be missed. As Beetlejuice himself would exclaim, “Ladies and Gentlemen, the show has begun!”

In the world of the movie, approximately the same elapsed time later, the sequel to Beetlejuice focuses on Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), who has grown older and hosts her own paranormal TV show. She goes back to Winter River after her father, Charles Deetz, dies tragically during an exotic bird-watching trip. In the Afterlife, Charles’ character is portrayed as a headless, blood-spurting figure; this seems to be the filmmakers’ way of dealing with Jeffrey Jones, the original actor for Charles Deetz, who was convicted of a sex offense in 2003.

Lydia travels back to her old home in Connecticut with her boisterous and self-centered stepmother Delia (Catherine O’Hara), her disenchanted teenage daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega), and Rory, a manipulative companion whom she met at a grief support group after the death of Astrid’s father, Richard (Santiago Cabrera). Although Astrid doubts Lydia’s medium abilities because she hasn’t been able to connect with her deceased father, Lydia starts seeing signs of Michael Keaton’s character, the titular bio-exorcist, indicating that strange occurrences might happen at the Maitland house again.

How Beetlejuice returns

How Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Connects to the Original Movie

In the initial Beetlejuice film, the late couple Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara Maitland (Geena Davis) successfully sent Beetlejuice away after a hasty summons to scare off the Deetz family. However, it’s unveiled in the sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice that this mischievous spirit has been patiently waiting in the Netherworld since then.

Upon reaching the Winter River home, Lydia informs Astrid that the Maitlands have vanished because they discovered a way out and transitioned to another realm. This surprising turn of events sparks Astrid’s comment about it being “handy.” However, Burton explained to People that Baldwin and Davis were absent from the movie not to simply fulfill any requirements.

“Though they played a fantastic role in the initial one,” he stated, “at that time, my attention was elsewhere.”

In the meantime, Beetlejuice has been hatching another plan to return to the world of the living by reviving his marriage contract with Lydia. This situation escalates when Astrid finds herself in grave danger and Lydia is left with no choice but to call upon Beetlejuice three times to assist in rescuing Astrid from the Afterlife. True to form, Beetlejuice obliges, demanding a renewed vow of marital misery in return.

More nods to the original

How Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Connects to the Original Movie

Regardless of the time leap, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice can be seen as a rather straightforward follow-up to the original film, with numerous tributes scattered throughout – from the presence of several variations on Harry Belafonte’s famous “Banana Boat (Day-O)” tune to the return of the black and white striped sandworms.

In the continuation of the initial film, I unravel a perplexing enigma by delving deeper into the past life of Beetlejuice’s former spouse, who turns out to be Delores, a demoness that feeds on souls. Interestingly, Monica Bellucci breathes life into this intriguing character in a remarkable portrayal that leaves one wondering if she was actually stapled together for the role.

In Bellucci’s words to ABC News, “Delores is captivating to me due to her unique nature. She’s both terrifying and amusing, embodying the essence of life as a metaphor.” She explained, “We all carry emotional wounds, and Delores is no exception. Yet, she possesses strength amidst her numerous scars.”

2024-09-06 15:06