Interested in the recently released Beetlejuice on DVD and BlueRay?Here’s a mix of reviews from Ms Career Girl and others.
latest version of Beetle juice (2024), titled Beetlejuice Beetlejuiceis a nostalgic revival with a modern twist. Directed again by Tim Burton, the film reunites Michael Keaton as the iconic Betelgeuse and Winona Ryder as Lydia, while introducing fresh faces like Jenna Ortega and Willem Dafoe.Let’s compare this sequel to the 1988 classic for humor, character performances and in terms of overall tone.
Humor and celebration
The original Beetle juice marked by its chaotic, dark humor and quirky approach to the afterlife, where Keaton’s Betelgeuse represented an unpredictable, comedic energy. The new version retains much of this eccentricity, and Keaton seamlessly returns to his role lively, it carries a slightly more restrained and even melancholic edge, reflecting the passage of time.The humor is broader in the sequel, with additional characters and subplots offering different comedic beats, but some critics feel that the script is too busy, detracting from the humor’s sharpness at times.
Roles and performances
Keaton and Ryder continue to be the backbone of the film. Ryder’s Lydia now balances her quirky edge with the wisdom of age, and her relationship with Ortega, who plays her daughter Astrid, is a highlight. Ortega’s role adds a youthful energy reminiscent of Ryder’s original performance, too is her role as the delightfully neurotic Delia.Newcomers like Willem Dafoe and Monica Bellucci bring their own unique eccentricity, and Dafoe’s character as a ghostly law enforcement officer is especially praised for his comedic moments.
Nostalgia vs. Innovation
The sequel strikes a balance between honoring its predecessor and breaking new ground. Nostalgic moves include visual motifs and callbacks to memorable scenes, but the new installment ventures into larger stories by introducing new dynamics into the afterlife. However, some critics argue that the expanded plot feels scattered, with too many subplots competing for attention.
Verdict:
Worth adding to your video library.
While 2024 leans on nostalgia, it also offers updated humor and a broader narrative scope. Fans of the original will appreciate its respect for the source material, but newcomers may have a harder time connecting without knowing the first film. Humor-wise, the original holds up its edge as a tighter, bolder experience, while the sequel charms with its expanded ensemble and evolved performances.
For fans of Burton’s unique style and Keaton’s iconic character, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice provides a worthy follow-up, even if it doesn’t quite recapture the originality of its predecessor.