Beetlejuice Beetlejuice And What's Making Us Happy
Sep 6, 2024
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The discussion dives into the return of Beetlejuice, highlighting Lydia's evolution into a television psychic and Jenna Ortega's exciting new role. The speakers have mixed feelings about the sequel, praising Catherine O'Hara's performance while critiquing its pacing. They reflect on the delicate balance between nostalgia and originality in beloved classics. Personal highlights include a touching episode on friendship breakups and the joy of retro media, with nods to 'Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood' and the game 'Beyond Good and Evil.'
The sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice revisits the original's iconic elements while exploring modern family dynamics and character evolution.
Catherine O'Hara's standout performance as Delia Deetz highlights the film's humorous charm, balancing nostalgia with contemporary storytelling challenges.
Deep dives
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: A Legacy Revisiting
The new film Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, set over 30 years after the original, revisits the eccentric world of Lydia Deetz, now a television psychic, and her daughter Astrid. The family returns to the iconic Deetz house following a death, reigniting the connection with the mischievous demon Beetlejuice, who still harbors feelings for Lydia. This sequel attempts to weave together themes of family dynamics across generations, highlighting Lydia's complicated relationship with her daughter and her stepmother Delia, who has become a successful artist. The film juxtaposes nostalgia with contemporary struggles, showcasing the evolution of characters while exploring their unresolved pasts with humor and surrealism reminiscent of Tim Burton's unique vision.
Character Performances and Highlights
Catherine O'Hara's return as Delia Deetz is frequently noted as one of the standout elements, where her comedic timing and quirky personality continue to charm audiences. Both Regina and Kristin express their appreciation for O'Hara's performance, pinpointing her character as a highlight amid an otherwise crowded narrative. Jenna Ortega's portrayal of the skeptical daughter Astrid introduces a new dynamic and modern sensibility to the film, resonating with younger viewers while attempting to recreate the magical essence of the original. However, the film's pacing and overstuffed plot are criticized, drawing attention away from individual character development, leaving some viewers wanting more depth.
Comparative Reflections and Disappointment
Panelists reflect on the cultural impact of the original Beetlejuice, with some feeling the sequel lacks the scrappy creativity that endeared the first film to audiences. Priya expresses significant disappointment, citing the absence of the original's kooky charm and Tim Burton's earlier rawness in his storytelling, suggesting it feels overproduced by comparison. The discussion reveals how ages and expectations impact perceptions, with younger viewers potentially enjoying the film more than those who grew up with the original. Important themes of character agency and writing quality are also examined, questioning the effectiveness of the new film's narrative and its place in the legacy of its predecessor.
There's a reason Beetlejuice was a hit back in 1988: it delivered both the spectacle and big stars of a major studio film, and the hilarious, weird vision of director Tim Burton. Now he returns with the sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice — which stars Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Michael Keaton, and Jenna Ortega. But does Beetlejuice Beetlejuice capture any of the original's silly, surreal, singular magic? Should it even try?
