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The highly-anticipated sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is soon to be released in theaters, and the first impressions have started to pour in. What’s the initial take on this long-awaited follow-up?
Tim Burton’s sequel to his 1988 iconic film “Beetlejuice” brings back Michael Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, and Winona Ryder to reprise their roles as Betelgeuse, Delia Deetz, and Lydia Deetz, respectively. New additions to the cast include Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, and Willem Dafoe. The film is set to premiere in the US on September 6, and critics who have had the opportunity to attend an advance screening are now sharing their thoughts on social media.
So, what’s the initial consensus on “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” from those critics who attended the Venice Film Festival? It seems the film has been well-received! IndieWire’s Sophie Monks Kaufman shared her review on social media, praising Burton’s vision, saying, “Burton has married his jamboree of gags, visual spectacle, and charming practical effects with a distinctly human tale.” The Playlist also posted their review, stating, “Tim Burton Is Back & At His Best in Decades.” Other critics, like Ema Sasic, joined in praising the film; Sasic wrote, “[‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’]Â is ghoulishly fun! Burton honors his first film with throwbacks, all while expanding his characters and world to make a delightful new story. The whole cast got the assignment and delivers plenty of laughs. So many great set pieces in the afterlife too.”
Critics are flocking to social media to sing Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’s praises
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In general, the majority of critics seem to enjoy “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” attributing much of its success to Burton’s vision for the sequel. /Film’s Jacob Hall had the opportunity to see the film early and offered his own perspective:Â “‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ is a long-awaited return to form for Tim Burton. Between Michael Keaton’s indelible performance and the hordes of practical puppets and mountains of old school VFX wizardry, this is a sequel that truly understands what made the original feel so special while building on it in fun, inventive ways.”
Mo Moshaty at NightTide Magazine concurred, posting, “[‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’] is full of schtick, jokes revisited, [Michael] Keaton doing extra, [Catherine] O’Hara being a kicked up Delia, [Winona] Ryder still being strange and unusual and [Jenna] Ortega staying angsty. Everything this type of sequel should be.” Barry Levitt, who reviewed the movie for The Daily Beast, liked it, but wished it had gone even further. “My first from Venice! [‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’] is a pretty fun time when it leans into the afterlife. Monica Bellucci is the underused MVP,” he wrote. However, not all critics were enamored with the film. So, what did the critics who weren’t as impressed have to say about “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice?”
Some of the critics who saw Beetlejuice Beetlejuice didn’t love Tim Burton’s sequel
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Richard Lawson from Vanity Fair was not as impressed with “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” based on his social media reactions. On his personal account, Lawson criticized the film for doing a disservice to Lydia Deetz, and on Vanity Fair’s account, he reiterated his sentiments, writing, “‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ is yet another legacy sequel that serves as a sad testament to the original film’s ingenuity.” Total Film’s review wasn’t as severe but echoed similar sentiments, describing the film as “a fun but scattershot frolic in the afterlife.”
Despite some criticisms, it seems inevitable that “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” will be successful upon its official release, particularly considering the deep-seated affection fans have for the original film. The casting of Jenna Ortega as Lydia Deetz’s daughter Astrid is also likely to contribute to the film’s success. The overall buzz is mostly positive, so fans can start preparing for a spooky season when the film hits theaters on September 6, 2024 (international audiences can catch it earlier on September 4).
FAQs
Q: When will “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” hit theaters?
A: The film is set to be released in the United States on September 6, 2024. International audiences will get to see it two days earlier on September 4.
Q: Who are the new cast members in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”?
A: The sequel introduces new cast members Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, and Willem Dafoe.
Q: What are the early reactions to “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”?
A: Early reactions to the film are mostly positive, with critics praising Tim Burton’s vision and the performances of the cast.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com