The reboot of old classic films often makes good business-sense as it guarantees a footfall of audience who love nostalgia.
But it’s also critical to revive the film keeping the present in mind, and its relevance to the world at large.
Unfortunately, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is stuck in the past. It lacks substance and entertainment.
The dark fantasy comedy horror picks up 40 years later, from where its prequel ended and re-introduces us to the beloved / cult characters for Beetlejuice 1988, except it’s all too childish.
If you haven’t watched the original (or don’t remember it), none of it will make sense because everything feels rushed, unfunny and dated.
Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) is a quirky host of a supernatural talk show, producer by her boyfriend, Rory (Justin Theroux). During the taping of an episode, Lydia is spooked by visions of the ghost Betelgeuse in the audience, which alarms her of his revival.
The family reunites in the home for the funeral of Lydia’s father, which is where we’re introduced to her estranged daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega), who is a typical teenager defying her mom and blaming her for all inconvenience.
What follows is chaotic and incoherent turn of events from the mortal world to the afterlife, with a Tom & Jerry – esque chase sequences between Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), his minions, Lydia, Astrid, Delia Deetz (Catherine O’Hara), and an extremely underutilised Delores (Monica Bellucci).
I desperately wanted to enjoy the film, but I’m not quite sure who is its target audience – is it the original viewers of the classic or the new generation? Because the audience’s palette for dark comedy horror has evolved. However, the film’s has not.
Overall, the reboot of the franchise seems to be a good business opportunity with Halloween around the corner, giving everyone a new set of costumes to enjoy this holiday. Last year the world turned pink with Barbie and this year it will be an influx of black & white striped Beetlejuice and “Bobs” in oversized yellow blazers, and perhaps a few black widows with staples across their faces.
Other than that, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice doesn’t offer anything memorable and lacks the charm of its predecessor.
