The original Beetlejuice movie, a quirky blend of horror and comedy, came out way back in 1988 (when I was just 4 years old!), and though people weren’t sure what to think of it at first, over time it became a cult classic. It was even adapted into a cartoon (1989-1991), which I remember watching when I was young. 

Beetlejuice (or “Betelgeuse”), whom the movie is named after, is a charismatic ghost/demon who loves to make mischief and cause chaos, and the Beetlejuice stories typically revolve around those (both living and dead) who try to get help from Beetlejuice without becoming tricked or trapped by him.

Now, 36 years later, Beetlejuice is back in the sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which is full of nostalgic throwbacks for anyone who enjoyed the original (I strongly recommend watching the original movie first so that you can understand the references in the new one). I saw Beetlejuice Beetlejuice on the big screen last week and was thoroughly entertained! The theatre was packed and everyone was laughing and having a good time. The new one takes place during Halloween, so it’s the perfect movie to watch at your Halloween party this year. Check out the trailer on YouTube and see what you think!

a quirky blend (of A and B) = “Quirky” means strange and unusual, so a “quirky blend” is an unusual mixture or combination of two things that produces something unique!

a cult classic = A “cult classic” is a movie “that is popular or fashionable among a particular group or section of society.” These movies do not initially achieve mainstream popularity, but over time they develop a very devoted fanbase. 

to be adapted into s.t. = When a story is “adapted into” another form, it is changed to suit a different kind of media. For example, a book can be adapted into a movie, a movie can be adapted into a TV series, and a TV series can be adapted into a video game.

to revolve around s.t. = If a movie/book/story/etc. “revolves around” something, then that thing is the main message or theme of the story.  

a nostalgic throwback = “Nostalgic throwbacks” are references to things that were popular or fun in the past. These things remind us of (generally positive) memories that we have about the past. For example, a song that reminds you of your favourite childhood movie is a “nostalgic throwback” for you.