Tabetha Martin Howard
Online Editor
Tim Burton’s 1988 classic Beetlejuice now has a sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, released just in time for the holidays. The original Beetlejuice follows the story of the Maitland’s, a couple who die in their small town and must navigate life in the afterlife. When their house is sold to the Deetz family, they seek help from the mischievous Beetle-juice, a decision they soon regret. In the sequel, Tim Burton once again brings his signature gothic, spooky vision and striking visuals to create another memorable Beetlejuice experience. The sequel was released on April 6 this year and is available in theaters and on various streaming platforms for an additional fee such as YouTube and Apple TV.
Not only is Beetlejuice back, but the Deetz family is too. Many Millennials and Gen Z viewers seem really excited for the release of this film. Whether it’s to reminisce about Beetlejuice’s jokes, enjoy the great soundtrack, or see actress Jenna Ortega, the new Beetlejuice movie has been trending lately. Although it has gained attention due to the popularity of the original, the sequel doesn’t seem to be as well-received based on reviews. On IMDb, one of the most popular sources for movie, TV, and celebrity content, the second Beetlejuice was rated 6.9/10, compared to the original, which received a 7.5/10. Similarly, on Rotten Tomatoes, the most trusted measurement of quality for movies and TV, the second Beetlejuice movie was rated 69 percent on the Tomatometer, while the first film scored 89 percent. Lastly, on Metacritic, which aggregates music, game,TV, and movie reviews from leading critics, the second film had a 62percent positive rating compared to the first film, which had 71percent positive reviews from critics.
Although the reviews are lower than for the first film, it is still highly recommended to see. Out of the horror/comedy movies coming out this fall, Beetlejuice seems to be the only classic. Whether viewers pay to see it in theaters or wait until it’s available on a subscription service without an additional cost, it’s a great movie to watch this fall. With different twists, you’ll get to see generations of the Deetz family and learn more about Beetlejuice’s past, as well as his love life. Lydia’s daughter follows in her footsteps and connects with the afterlife around the same age as she did. The second film also takes place in a modern time frame, closer to today. It’s highly recommended to watch the first film, which was released in 1988, prior to watching the new film that was released this year. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has been rated PG-13, so viewers should ensure that the content is appropriate for everyone watching, especially if they’re watching it with family.