The sequel to Tim Burton’s cult movie called “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” came out on 6th September. Quite expectably, its first night fans were fast off the blocks to go and see it. The film has turned out to be the second grossing film to be screened in the month of September for its first week’s leg.
I also went to the cinemas to watch it on Saturday and even I found it rather funny. The film had been directed by Tim Burton who had also directed the first part that had been released back in 1988. I still cannot forget the first part of the movie when kids for the first time confronted Micheal Keaton playing the character of Beetlejuice who looked really scary. The latest also seizes the spooky tone of the paranormal aspect of the first film but provides greater scope for the second movie in this context.
There were some in the audience who came dressed as the characters or had matching shirts for the occasion. The theater was full and waiting for the show to start was worth it as everyone was in suspense. The pattern was very much the same as the first film with the main theme song and the names of the cast members playing in the background over a picture of the town which was made up from clips of the film. After such an introduction, one goes into the film expecting average gore. Fans of Tim Burton should have no fears that the man himself is long gone, for his die-hard admirers can see that the new generation movies still bear his mark.
Focusing on a mother-daughter bond between Winona Ryder and Jenna Ortega, fans of the first film are excited to see a new relationship struggle with the same problems. What is unique about this movie is how they took bits of the main character’s personas and developed those to suit their vision of a different angle of the narrative. Catherine O’Hara’s character of Delia is very much invested in her art and offers very subtle references to some sculptures from the original film.
Most of the time, the audience tends to be more critical and judgmental towards sequels because in some instances there are these films that are capable of making the original pathetic, such as completely ignoring the plot of the first installment or even not being able to make its presence felt. Following on from the original and numerous other installments, there’s no questioning that “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is without a doubt a strong sequel and quite unique in its own right. The only weak point of the film is its almost countless number of storylines crowded into a span of an hour and forty-four minutes. I think the script could have easily done without the storyline involving the ex-wife of Beetlejuice’s character. Not that it didn’t offer up any extra information in relation to his character, it just felt more irrelevant. The main story arc in its premiere focus could have been even more complex and more scenes should have been allocated to expand on it. The storyline remained appealing but the viewers felt several elements were more crucial than others.
The soundtrack, just like in the first installment, has some good punch lines and also hilarious instances of it. However, it had more elaborate dance numbers and stunts than the first movie which were more of the dance. It was because of these elements that it was easy to be captured into the story, as well as, experience the pressure that the characters were feeling in particular situations.
I was flipping my head from one side to the other in the middle of the movie as it was full of twists which I didn’t expect. The most intriguing disclosure is the focus of the second half since you begin to combine earlier preceding information together. I was fuming when we got to this point in the movie, all I wanted to know is what ever happened. Not many films can do that, so this was the part that remained to be the one that I kept pondering about. Depending on the person, some might see it for what it is but others would appreciate the good twists the movie tries to include.
I would say that the problems that existed in the direction or even acting with some films and shows within this decade and the past decade should be ignored due to the great feat of perfection that the cinema management can put forth. Movies and series were not so bad in the 80’s or 90’s, but still, you can see the recent films and series that are pretty much 50/50 success. All actors acted to perfection in this, even though I was so captured in the plot that I didn’t even think about the acting. The camera work and the lighting for the scenes set the mood and the vibe so well that it felt believable. Few new supporting characters came into play and helped advance the plot. Of course, who could forget the quintessential Beetlejuice shrunken-head guys?! The one who stood out for me the most was Bob. He had a tiny part, but I thought he was the best character by far in the movie.
It is hard to imagine that the franchise has been around for 36 years with the first film coming out 36 years ago to the day which is quite an achievement for the franchise. Looking back, you can see how it all began and you are reminded of the first movie. Much like the first installment though, ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ surely is a remaster that should be viewed in theaters.
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