‘One of the best films of 2024’ is finally streaming | Films | Entertainment

A smash-hit film that had cinema-goers ‘laughing like crazy’ is now ready for home streaming.

The successful sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which graced the big screen last year, has joined the roster of films available to Sky Cinema subscribers.

It’s also accessible for those with a movie pass on the streaming service NOW.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice serves as the follow-up to the original cult favourite from 1988, with Tim Burton back in the director’s chair.

Several cast members from the first film have reprised their roles.

This includes Michael Keaton returning as Betelgeuse, the eerie bio-exorcist with a penchant for marrying the living, also known as Beetlejuice. Catherine O’Hara reprises her role as Delia Deetz, alongside Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz.

The sequel also introduces some fresh yet recognisable faces. Wednesday star Jenna Ortega portrays Astrid Deetz, while Willem Dafoe steps into the role of Wolf Jackson, reports Surrey Live.

The narrative resumes over three decades after the original film’s events. Still plagued by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s world is thrown into chaos when her daughter stumbles upon a gateway to the afterlife.

Upon uttering Beetlejuice’s name thrice, the mischievous spectre swiftly returns to wreak his unique brand of havoc.

The film’s release drew a mixed bag of critiques, hardly surprising given it follows on from a much-cherished classic, yet it still nabbed an admirable 75% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

One critic hailed the horror comedy as “A delightfully dark and often silly ride that gives us a taste of classic Burton that of course won’t beat the original in many fans’ eyes just like most sequels, but will give that nice hit of nostalgia and enough of something new to keep most happy.”

Another weighed in on the cast’s prowess: “The new film is darker, stranger, and it makes much more nonsensical sense than the original. It also focuses on three generations of women played by three terrific actors – making it infinitely more watchable.”

Conversely, the film was knocked for lack of depth with a reviewer claiming: “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice provides a perfect popcorn movie to escape to in air-conditioned cinemas. It offers deliciously dark and twisted eye candy but not much more.”

But the audience reaction was overwhelmingly positive. A fan enthused: “My family and I were laughing like crazy. If you liked the original you’ll like the second one.”

Adding to the applause, another viewer exclaimed: “Had me screaming YAAASSSS by the end of it. What a banger. That ending was literally perfect. Beetlejuice gets to share some of the hero spotlight this time around and it’s so good.”

Another viewer raved about the sequel, remarking: “Beetlejuice two was literally the best movie but even though it was a little bit creepy in the end of the movie, it was still worth a watch. Definitely would want to see it again.”

A different enthusiast praised the film, stating: “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a fantastic movie. It’s cast gives their all. Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Wilem Dafoe and Jenna Ortega all stand out. The humour hits and some great visuals as well.”

They elaborated on their critique by adding: “Some things that I didn’t like was the pacing very slow and a very confusing ending that could potentially open the doors for a third film. But that doesn’t stop it from being a great horror, comedy movie one of the best films of 2024.”

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is streaming on Sky Cinema and NOW.