Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Christian Review
If you had seen the original version of Beetlejuice and enjoyed its chaotic, quirky, dark comedy, then this sequel can be a bit of a nostalgia ride. But this movie never manages to balance you. On one hand there is that crazy, slapstick humor, and on the other hand there is a lack of some emotional moments. So, from one side it is fun, but from the other side some people will feel a bit lost.
So the film shows the world 36 years later, and Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) is now the host of her own supernatural talk show “Ghost House”. But the magic of Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) is still going on, and Lydia must once again face those afterlife problems. The plot is quite complicated – Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, accidentally opens a portal and then everything goes into chaos, with Beetlejuice’s antics and some ghastly creatures.
Dark Humor and Surrealism: You will remember the quirky and absurd comedy of the old movie, so this movie is trying to maintain its comedy in the same way. The bizarre bureaucracy of the afterlife and the antics of Beetlejuice shown are quite funny. But sometimes that dark humor seems a bit over-the-top. The horror aspect feels a bit mixed to be treated so casually. Meaning some moments are so hilarious that they seem absolutely serious, then at other moments you feel that it is a bit forced.
Spiritual Themes: If you are watching from a Christian perspective, this movie explores the afterlife rather casually. Let’s say, the spirits and ghosts that are shown easily and playfully may be a little uncomfortable from a Christian worldview. They treat the afterlife whimsically and lightly, which usually seems weird for spiritual and serious themes. That is, the serious nature of life and death is handled by this film a little lightheartedly, which may not be comfortable for everyone.
Moral Undertones: The relationship between Lydia and Astrid is quite important. Astrid starts understanding her mother’s supernatural abilities, and their relationship gradually improves. This is a good moral point, where the family and their emotional connections are shown. But then the constant chaos of Beetlejuice dilutes those emotional moments too much. Some deeper moral messages that the film had hidden are not clear. That is why this movie could not become a good family drama.
Family Drama: If you understand the emotional struggles of your family, then this movie is quite relatable from that angle. The emotional bond between Lydia and Astrid is shown quite strong. But, the continuous weirdness of Beetlejuice does not allow those moments to be felt in full force for everyone. Your emotions are treated a little light and comical, which no one would find necessary. Meaning, this movie is a little weak in giving emotional impact.
Violence and Gore: Yes, this movie is also known for its excessive violence and graphic gory moments. Now, the violence shown is comical but some scenes are quite graphic and may be uncomfortable for the young audience. This film shows death and dismemberment as a bit of over-the-top comedy which may be a bit disturbing for a Christian viewer. The mix of white people is sometimes funny but may also be uncomfortable at times.
Final Thoughts:
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is an entertaining and bizarre ride if you like quirky and dark humor. But, if you are looking for something more emotional or meaningful, this film may feel a bit shallow. If you like dark comedy, slapstick chaos, and weirdness, then this movie is definitely for you. But if you want to watch a more deep and thoughtful movie, then this is not that movie.
Recommendation? If you want absurd and fun comedy, then definitely watch it. But if you want a little deeper, meaningful and emotional experience, then this movie is not quite satisfying.
