Hello all! I hope everyone had a fantastic summer! The season is a great time to take things easy and relax in the warm sun. But the season is just about over, and it's time to look ahead. Of course, what better event lies ahead during the fall season than that most spookiest of holidays, Halloween! And I can't think of a better way to begin the spooky season than with the release of the long-awaited movie sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice!
The movie opens wide Friday, September 6th, but I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to attend a preview screening with my daughter this past Tuesday. It was quite the pleasant experience!
When we first walked into the theater, we were greeted by a "bartender" dispensing Beetlejuice-themed beverages, two cocktails and one mocktail. Although my daughter and I are both of drinking age, we chose the mocktail, "Precious Potion," or something like that. Basically, it was a Shirley Temple in the guise of an afterlife drink, but it was good!
We were also greeted by this fellow by the bar.
The lobby was adorned with this fun display where you could appear to be hanging out with Betelgeuse and friend in the afterlife. We felt right at home!
As we entered the screening room, we picked up a couple of pieces of fun swag: a poster for the movie, which is featured at the top of this article, and specially adorned sunglasses to show your Beetlejuice fandom while keeping away the UV rays!
And now, my spoiler-free review of the film itself!
The now-grown Lydia (Wynona Ryder) is a TV psychic/medium on a Ghosthunters type of series, which is produced by Lydia's vapid boyfriend (Justin Theroux). When Lydia and her stepmother Delia (Catherine O'Hara) learn of Lydia's father Charles' death, they go to tell Lydia's estranged daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega). All the while, the "ghost with the most" still pines for Lydia and sends her visions of himself from beyond. From there, we encounter a vengeful figure from Betelgeuse's past, a young romance with a twist, a celebrity cameo, a hammy afterlife cop (gleefully played by Willem Dafoe), and all of the usual insanity you'd expect from a Beetlejuice sequel.
So, the bottom line of this review--I loved it! Michael Keaton hasn't missed a step since 1988 when the original film was released (he turns 73 years old on September 5th). Ryder is as "strange and unusual" as ever as Lydia, even if adulthood has polished off her rougher edges from her teen years. No matter, as Ortega more than makes up for it with her steely portrayal of Astrid. O'Hara's Delia is as "Delia" as ever. The supporting cast provide exactly what their roles require and make great contributions to the film.
The style of the Beetlejuice universe is completely consistent with the original movie, relying much more on practical sets and effects than CGI (which is used sparingly but effectively). But the film also has as much substance as style. The importance of family, seeking understanding, crossing the generational divide, and processing grief, are themes prominent in the story, adding depth to the silliness.
I was thoroughly thrilled with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and I think you will be too! It's the perfect way to kick off the Halloween season!
Now excuse me while I strut down the street in my Beetlejuice specs!