Currently screening at the Pelham Picture House is the long-awaited sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. The film was released on September 6 and is a horror and comedy that follows up on the beloved classic many of us cherish. The movie pays tribute to the original but also introduces new elements that make the audience laugh and gasp at the surprises intertwined. 

The plot follows Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) the main character of the original film, who is still haunted by the demon she summoned years ago, Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton). Her daughter, a rebellious teenage girl, Astrid Deetz ( Jenna Ortega), discovers a portal to the afterlife after an unexpected family tragedy. She curiously repeats the name of the demon Beetlejuice three times and summons him once again, not knowing the twisted consequences. I believed that the film managed to bridge the gap between old fans and a younger audience, making it easy to comprehend for teenagers and kids who may be watching for the first time.

The film’s opening feels a bit sluggish, lingering for about half an hour, but it maintains enough intrigue to keep viewers engaged with the characters and their situations. Once it gains momentum, the experience becomes quite enjoyable. By the time the credits rolled, I found myself wishing for more.

The story is captivating, and the actors deliver convincing performances, making it a fitting homage to the classic film. However, there are some drawbacks. Beetlejuice’s humor, while still playful, comes off as more corny and less edgy compared to the original film. This somewhat diminishes his character’s impact. Additionally, the movie is burdened by multiple side plots, which can be confusing and detract from the main narrative. The pacing is uneven, with some parts dragging while others feel too brief.

Despite these shortcomings, the film does provide a nostalgic thrill for fans of the original. While it may not make it onto my must-watch-again list, it’s still worth seeing for yourself. Overall, I’d rate it 3 out of 5.