Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 7, 2024 8:03 pm GMT
In a much-anticipated sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the iconic Michael Keaton returns as the mischievous ghost in a film that aims to reclaim its place in pop culture. Released on a Friday in September 2023, the movie seeks to carve out a sizable opening weekend, with estimates suggesting a box office take between $100 million and $110 million. This follows the trend set by famed September releases such as “It” and “It: Chapter 2,” which have set benchmarks for box office success in that timeframe.
Box Office Expectations
The sequel is making noise not just for its nostalgic appeal but also for its financial ambitions. Warner Bros has laid out a more conservative estimate of $80 million for its opening weekend, a figure which still marks it as a significant contender considering its $100 million production budget. Box office analysts believe that nostalgia for the original 1988 film, combined with positive word-of-mouth about the sequel, could potentially boost ticket sales into the triple digits.
- Projected Opening Weekend: $100 million to $110 million
- Conservative Studio Estimate: $80 million
- Production Budget: $100 million
This weekend, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” stands as the sole new release, allowing it a clear path to dominate box office charts and potentially eclipse previous leaders like Marvel’s “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which has maintained a noteworthy presence over the summer with domestic earnings exceeding $603 million.
A Return to the Afterlife
Tim Burton, the visionary behind the original film, returns to direct this sequel that layers new dimensions onto the classic story. The film revolves around Lydia Deetz, portrayed by Winona Ryder, who is now a celebrity psychic dealing with unresolved emotional issues, especially regarding her daughter, Astrid, played by Jenna Ortega. As they navigate their fraught relationship, the ghostly Beetlejuice is summoned again, this time to help Lydia retrieve Astrid from the Afterlife.
Lydia continues to grapple with the specter of Beetlejuice, trying to reconcile her haunting past while facing the ghost of her late husband, leaving her emotionally adrift. Parallelly, Astrid encounters her own set of challenges, dismissive of her mother’s supernatural gifts, yet unwittingly drawn into the same paranormal undertow.
Returning Faces and New Characters
In addition to Keaton’s iconic return, the cast also reunites with familiar faces. Catherine O’Hara returns as Lydia’s eccentric stepmother, Delia. New additions include Monica Bellucci as Delores, Beetlejuice’s vengeful ex-wife, and Willem Dafoe, who portrays a flamboyant Afterlife cop. Their roles add an entertaining layer to the film, yet the abundance of characters leads to a somewhat convoluted narrative structure.
Despite its potential, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” has been criticized for its overstuffed plot and uneven pacing. Critics echo sentiments indicating that while the film recreates some of the kookiness of the original, it lacks the same cohesive spark that made its predecessor a groundbreaking horror-comedy.
- Michael Keaton: Beetlejuice
- Winona Ryder: Lydia Deetz
- Catherine O’Hara: Delia Deetz
- Jenna Ortega: Astrid
- Willem Dafoe: Wolf Jackson
Critical Reception
Initial reviews have described the film as a blend of clever nods to its predecessor and a struggle to find its footing as a standalone sequel. Critics have noted that while some elements echo the quirky aesthetic of the original, the film also includes an array of distractions from its main narrative arc. Variety’s chief critic highlighted the film’s fan service but noted it doesn’t deliver the same “monster-kitsch jolt” that characterized the original. This sentiment resonates with long-time fans who have grown to appreciate the unique charm that the original film offered.
Despite some critiques, the film possesses moments of inspired fun, bolstered by Keaton’s performance. His portrayal of Beetlejuice still retains the film’s inherent joy and eccentricity through physical comedy and one-liners, although some have argued that his character feels less threatening than in the original.
A Nostalgic Journey
One of the film’s key achievements lies in the parental dynamics explored throughout its story. Through Lydia and Astrid’s evolution and their eventual reconciliation, it underscores themes of understanding and acceptance that span generations. Burton’s creative input recreates the Afterlife’s essential madness, incorporating modern aesthetics while evoking nostalgia through familiar motifs, such as Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O” from the first film, which finds a new rendition in “MacArthur Park” in this sequel.
As audiences sift through the layers of humor and horror, the film invites a new generation to engage with the themes presented in a unique horror-comedy landscape. Perhaps this resurgence in popularity for the franchise will entice younger audiences, particularly fans of Jenna Ortega, to immerse themselves in classic horror films, much like the original “Beetlejuice” did decades earlier.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” shows us how legacy sequels are doing in today’s movies. It brings back memories for fans who loved the original while trying to attract new viewers. However, it also faces some tough challenges when trying to bring a classic story back to life.
