35 years after releasing the 1998 film, “Beetlejuice,” director Tim Burton, famously known for his gothic and horror artwork in the movie industry, released the film’s sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
The movie is about the Deetz family returning to their hometown, Winter River, after a sudden death in the family. When Lydia Deetz’s rebellious daughter, Astrid, is tricked into a portal to the afterlife, Lydia calls the name of a ghost, Beetlejuice, who has haunted her for years. She hopes to have his assistance in getting her daughter back before it’s too late. After calling the ghost’s name out loud three times in a row, he is summoned, but he also requires the help of Lydia for his own problems.
According to Collider, an online entertainment publication, the movie’s budget was $100 million, while the first film’s was $15 million. The movie was filmed in East Corinth Vermont, the same city that the original was filmed.
Within the first two days of early movie screenings on Sept. 4 and 5, the movie had already made $12 million. According to Business Insider, a financial and business news site, the movie has now grossed $264 million worldwide in two weeks, officially making more money in this period of time than the first movie.Many fans of the original movie were satisfied with the results of the second movie, as it had many references to the original and other movies directed by Tim Burton. Other viewers had different expectations and were not completely fulfilled with the new release.
“The whole entire time I was excited, especially when the sandworm came out… but I was a little sad that didn’t say ‘showtime’ or that like they couldn’t find a way for us to see Barbara or Adam Maitland, but everything else, I was fine. I loved it,” said sophomore Bella Rose Rodriguez.
Fans were also excited to see the original cast returning in the second film, as well as additional actors, such as Jenna Ortega, who is widely recognized for “Wednesday”, “Scream 6”, and “Stuck in the Middle.”
Senior Max Meeks believes that Jenna Ortega suited the role as she was previously in Wednesday, but overall believes she wasn’t that important to have in the movie.
“Her character motives were kinda cringe… It wasn’t the best character she has played, but it was enjoyable,” said Meeks.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, a site that critics use for movie and show reviews, the “Tomatometer score,” is 77% (which is considered to be fairly good). The “Popcornmeter” is shown as 81%, which is a high rating from users who have seen the movie.
On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, rumors have circulated that there will be one final movie, named “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” to officially conclude the franchise.
