Movies
I Rewatched Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Discovered Its Flaws
2024-12-15
People's opinions on movies are constantly evolving. Take Beetlejuice, for instance. Initially, I walked out of the 2024 movie feeling it was a worthy sequel. But now, after a rewatch, my feelings have drastically changed. What led to this shift? Let's delve in.
Rediscovering the Flaws of a Beloved Sequel
Why I Thought I Loved Beetlejuice the First Time
I have been a die-hard fan of director Tim Burton's 1988 classic Beetlejuice since forever. My love for it only grew when my wife and I dressed as the titular characters on our first Halloween together. When I watched Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, I was on a high, fueled by nostalgia and Michael Keaton's praise. The use of practical effects, the stunning production design of the afterlife, and Keaton's return made it a lot of fun. These aspects still hold my admiration, but they now seem overshadowed by the things that bother me.The movie's rush to a conclusion with too many plot lines, Monica Bellucci's unnecessary performance as Delores, the awkwardly inserted "MacArthur Park" scene, and the wooden dialogue and flat jokes all became glaring issues during my rewatch.Why Rewatching Beetlejuice Disappointed Me
Everyone knows about the flaws of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. The final act's rushed plot, Bellucci's performance, the awkward scene insertion, and the poor dialogue were all evident. When I first saw the film, I was aware of these criticisms but chose to ignore them due to my love for the original and anticipation of the sequel. But during the rewatch, they became too irritating, making me impatient for the movie to end.The Lesson I Learned From Rewatching Beetlejuice
My initial positive reaction to Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was mostly fueled by nostalgia. If I hadn't rewatched it, I might have continued to enjoy it despite its flaws. But the rewatch made the flaws more apparent, tainting my enjoyment. This experience taught me to be more critical and not let nostalgia cloud my judgment. I will now try to view things from a more neutral and fair perspective and pay more attention to the overall picture.If you're still a fan or curious about seeing Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, it's available with a Max subscription. But I recommend watching the original again. The original's magic still endures.