We Need to Talk About Beetlejuice: The Millennial Nostalgia of 2024

I don't know about you, but Lydia always made me want to be a goth and alternative. Tim Burton's characters have that distinct charm. It’s hard being a millennial, growing up with the masterpiece that is Beetlejuice (1988), and then trying to objectively judge its sequel—36 years later! It’s quite a challenge. SPOILER ALERT: the original actors, the storyline, the iconic monsters, and even Burton's trademark special effects remain intact.

Millennials are, without a doubt, a nostalgic generation. But this nostalgia has a silver lining—it reflects cherished memories of better times. Thank you, Tim Burton, for existing! However, this nostalgia can also close us off to new ideas, perspectives, and discoveries. The world is constantly changing, and we must face it every day, every minute. So why not escape back to our childhood and youth for two hours? It doesn’t hurt anyone, right?

Under the direction of one of the most distinctive filmmakers in the industry, Beetlejuice is like a concoction made from a variety of ingredients (no, I’m not talking about beetles) that blend seamlessly into a unique cinematic smoothie. In this film, makeup, costume design, and props play leading roles, naturally integrating with the visual effects and modern cinematic elements without losing the essence of what a sequel should be. It’s no surprise that this aspect is my favorite.

But not everything is black and white, so we need to address the screenplay. It’s bold and determined to be a true sequel to the 1988 film. However, whether intentional or not, multiple plotlines develop simultaneously, which makes it difficult to connect fully with the new characters. The expectations build up, and then... it ends. Without giving away too many spoilers, an example of this is Monica Bellucci’s role, among others. Can anyone outshine Beetlejuice himself?

Now, we need to talk about Burton's new favorite... Yes, I'm talking about Jenna Ortega (finally, new generations) or rather her character 'Astrid'. We can assert that Lydia's (Winona Ryder) unique traits are present in Astrid in various ways while adding the cliché of a rebellious teenager. However, for a character with two parents known primarily for their instinctive curiosity, Astrid displays a more neutral personality. This allows her character to develop linearly, even though she shines during key moments of the plot. Perhaps Burton, in his effort to maintain Lydia's essence and prominence, didn’t allow Astrid (Jenna Ortega) to fully establish herself—this time—as the main star.

Not least important... We need to talk about 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' (Michael Keaton). In my eyes, the classic "villain" who gave us many "showtimes" in the '90s with this peculiar film (and also the cartoon) retains his characteristic, defiant personality while still reflecting the fact that many years and life experiences have passed since the first encounter with Lydia. Perhaps a bit more naïve for this new story, but it’s clear that Burton wasn’t going to let any other character interfere with the bond between Beetlejuice and Lydia.

Whatever the script's intentions, Beetlejuice II proves that the classics can thrive alongside contemporary storytelling, that niche art can be commercially successful, and that you can kick off a spooky season with a movie that won’t overwhelm you with drama and suspense. Who says lighthearted, humorous films can’t be rich in unique artistry? No doubt about it, it's a classic, yet refreshingly modern at the same time.