On Saturday, 9/7, our family went to see Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. As a longtime fan of the original movie, which I've probably seen more than any other film, I was eager for this sequel. I've been waiting for its release since it was first announced, and even my parents joined us for the viewing. So, was it worth the hype? Here are my pros and cons, though I’m keeping things spoiler-free, so some of my thoughts may be a bit cryptic.

Pros:

• Returning Characters: The movie did a great job of including many of the original characters, and even those who didn’t return were referenced. It felt like a nostalgic nod to fans of the original.

• Familiar Scenes: Most of the iconic scenes from the first Beetlejuice were woven into the sequel, which tied the two films together in a satisfying way. It was fun to see those moments recreated or updated.

• Jenna Ortega's Performance: I was excited to see Jenna Ortega in the film. After enjoying her in Wednesday, it was nice to see her in another role. While her character had some similarities to Wednesday, she brought more personality to this one, which made it feel distinct. Still, I wonder if typecasting could be a challenge for her in the future.

Cons:

• Weaker Storyline: In my opinion, the storyline didn’t quite match the captivating energy of the original. It felt a bit drier, though there were still a few surprises that kept things interesting.

• Missing Characters: There were a few beloved characters from the first movie that didn’t return, and while they were mentioned in passing, it would have been fun to see them appear. Their absence was noticeable.

• Justin Theroux's Character: I found Justin Theroux’s character a bit bland. He didn’t add much to the film, and I think the story could have worked without him. The role felt underdeveloped and unnecessary.

• Underutilized New Character: There was a new character, Delores, who had great potential but was underdeveloped. When her biggest moment finally came, it felt underwhelming, which was disappointing given how intriguing she was.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I’d watch this movie again, especially in a double feature with the original Beetlejuice. However, if this sequel had been released first, I don’t think it would have become the cult classic that the original has. It's enjoyable, but it doesn't quite capture the same magic.