The much-anticipated sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, is hitting theaters soon, and as a parent, you’re probably wondering: Is it appropriate for my kids? Having attended an early screening and recently re-watched the original Beetlejuice, I’ve put together this parents guide to help you decide if this movie is right for your family. My opinions are based on my viewing experience to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Fans of the original 1988 Beetlejuice will find a lot to love in this sequel. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice successfully captures the quirky and gothic spirit of the first film. Here are some aspects that stand out:
- Deeper Dive into Characters: We get to explore the backgrounds of Lydia Deetz and Beetlejuice more thoroughly. The film delves into their histories and current lives, adding layers to characters we already know and love.
- Nostalgic Continuity: The movie feels like a direct continuation of the original. The sets, characters, and storyline structure are remarkably consistent, creating a seamless transition despite the 36-year gap. It truly feels like revisiting the world of Beetlejuice.
- Michael Keaton’s Iconic Performance: Michael Keaton is back and as energetic and outrageous as ever as Beetlejuice. His role is more central in this film, allowing us to learn more about his afterlife and backstory. The movie dedicates significant attention to exploring his undead existence.
- Homages to the Original: The film is peppered with clever nods to the original Beetlejuice, which are delightful for longtime fans and enhance the nostalgic experience.
However, like its predecessor, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice contains elements that might not be suitable for all children. Here’s a breakdown of potential concerns:
- Language: Expect a similar level of language as the original, possibly even more. This includes two instances of the F-word (one spoken, one written).
- Crude Humor: The sequel maintains the crude humor of the first film, and it’s not limited to just Beetlejuice. Various characters engage in mature and sometimes off-color jokes.
- Gore and Frightening Content: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice amps up the gore and frightening elements. Notably, baby Beetlejuice is depicted with horror elements, reminiscent of Chucky in appearance and actions.
- Anti-climactic Storyline: While the movie builds up a substantial storyline, some viewers might find the ending somewhat lacking a strong climax or resolution.
Despite these elements, it’s worth noting that the screening I attended had children of various ages present, and none seemed overtly distressed or left in tears. However, every child is different. If your children are sensitive to horror or mature themes, it’s advisable to watch the movie beforehand to gauge its suitability for them.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is set to premiere exclusively in theaters on September 6, 2024.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Parents Guide: Detailed Content Breakdown
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice carries a PG-13 rating. This rating is assigned for: violent content, macabre and bloody images, strong language, some suggestive material, and brief drug use. The movie has a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes, and importantly, there are no end-credit scenes.
Here’s a more detailed look at what the PG-13 rating entails, broken down into specific categories:
Sex & Nudity & Innuendos (3/5):
The film includes several innuendos and suggestive comments throughout. There is mention of mature themes using words like “mating,” “do it,” “horny,” and “carnal pleasure.” A nude statue of a woman is shown. A love scene is implied through sounds and shadows, which might be uncomfortable for some viewers. Additionally, there’s a childbirth scene described as “weird” but not explicitly inappropriate.
Violence & Gore (3/5):
This category is more intense than in the original. The movie features a scene where a woman who is cut apart staples herself back together, presented with a degree of dark humor. There are depictions of souls being extracted from bodies, leaving behind what is described as comical “piles of skin.” The afterlife sequences show individuals in the manner of their deaths, including grotesque imagery like cats eating their owner and flesh-eating fish. More graphically, two characters are injured with kitchen tools and blades, including a stabbing in the eye and a near decapitation. Baby Beetlejuice is portrayed as particularly violent, with sharp teeth and a desire to eat human flesh, drawing comparisons to Chucky. Guts, described as large, grey worm-like things, are shown spilling from a body.
Profanity (2/5):
Profanity is present, though not overwhelming. There is one instance of “Jesus” used as an expletive. “God,” “OMG,” and “GD” are used more than six times. “Shit” and its variations appear over eight times, and “hell” is used more than four times. The word “ass” is used at least once. The F-word appears twice: once spoken prominently as “F’er” and once written on a card visible on a phone screen, which could be easily missed.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking (2/5):
The movie depicts alcohol consumption on several occasions. Coffee is also prominently featured as a drink for one of the characters.
Frightening & Intense Scenes (3/5):
Scenes involving baby Beetlejuice are designed to be frightening and are described as “gross” rather than intensely scary. While the movie isn’t consistently “intense,” there are multiple scenes intended to be frightening for the audience.
Other things to note:
The character Delores, intended to be a scary soul sucker, may not come across as overly intimidating to all viewers. Willem Dafoe’s character, Wolf Jackson, is noted as entertaining. The movie includes plot twists and turns, contributing to an overall enjoyable viewing experience despite its darker elements.
In conclusion, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice takes elements from classic Tim Burton films and elevates them. The movie contains several gory and potentially stomach-churning scenes, along with frightening moments. It’s aptly described as if the original Beetlejuice and Chucky “had a baby”—literally! (humor intended).
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Parents Guide Summary
About Beetlejuice Beetlejuice:
Beetlejuice is back in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, reuniting director Tim Burton and star Michael Keaton.
Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara reprise their roles as Lydia and Delia Deetz, joined by new cast members Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti, Jenna Ortega as Astrid Deetz, and Willem Dafoe.
The story follows three generations of the Deetz family returning to Winter River after a tragedy. Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, discovers a model of the town in the attic, opening a portal to the Afterlife and unleashing Beetlejuice once again.
Directed by Tim Burton, the screenplay is written by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar, based on characters created by Michael McDowell & Larry Wilson.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Trailer
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We hope this Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Parents Guide is helpful! Let us know your thoughts on the movie after you’ve seen it.
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