‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ Earns Early Praise as Nostalgic, Funny, Weird, and a Blast

After a 36-year hiatus, Tim Burton returns to the bizarre world of his cult classic with the much-anticipated sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. The follow up to his 1988 comedy-horror, looks to mark a triumphant return to form for Burton, who once again unleashes his unique brand of unhinged creativity.

The world premiere of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice took place on August 28, 2024, at the 81st Venice Film Festival, and early reactions suggest that the film is a nostalgic ride that delivers everything fans have been hoping for. Critics have praised the sequel for its blend of humor, eccentricity, and fan service, capturing the essence of the original.

Stephanie Bunbury of Deadline was among the first to weigh in, calling the movie “a blast just to watch.” This sentiment was echoed across social media, where critics and fans alike shared their enthusiasm. On X (formerly Twitter), critic John Nguyen described the film as “quirky, funny, and weird,” adding that “Tim Burton brings back the magic and nostalgia.” For longtime fans of the original, such statements are sure to heighten anticipation for the film’s release.

Collider’s Perri Nemiroff also shared her thoughts on X, emphasizing the film’s energetic vibe, writing, “That enthusiasm leaps off the screen big time, and it made this hardcore Beetlejuice fan very happy.”

Much of the buzz surrounding Beetlejuice Beetlejuice centers on the return of Michael Keaton as the mischievous ‘ghost with the most’, Betelgeuse. Empire Magazine’s John Nugent particularly praised Keaton’s performance, saying that “Michael Keaton seems to have more energy than he did 35 years ago.”

The plot of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice revisits the chaos of the original film but with a new twist. Following an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return to the haunted town of Winter River. Winona Ryder reprises her role as Lydia Deetz, whose life is upended when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, played by Jenna Ortega, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic. When the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened, it’s only a matter of time before someone utters Beetlejuice’s name three times, bringing the mischievous demon back into the fray.

Alongside Keaton, Ryder & Ortega Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has an excellent cast that includes Monica Bellucci as Beetlejuice’s zombified wife, while Willem Dafoe portrays a ghost detective named Wolf Jackson, a former B-movie action star who is now searching for Beetlejuice. Justin Theroux joins the cast as a character named Rory, though further details about his role remain unclear.

As Beetlejuice Beetlejuice prepares for its worldwide release on September 6, the early reactions suggest that it’s more than just a return to a beloved world that made the original a classic. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Burton’s bizarre world, this sequel looks set to be a fun, nostalgic ride.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will be in cinemas worldwide September 6.

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