A popular movie sequel prompts memories, hopes for the future
"Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlej ..."
To ring in the new year, I wanted to share a fun fact about my wife, Jill: She takes her “Beetlejuice” very, very seriously, and nothing — not even Huntington’s disease — will ever take that away from her.
When the sequel to the 1988 cult classic was announced — trust me, it was one of the highlights of last year — Jill’s reaction was pure joy. She added the release date to our family calendar in big, bold, red letters. For months, she treated our home to impromptu performances of “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and “Jump in the Line (Shake, Señora),” songs from the original movie. This is something that she and our daughter, Alexus, who also is gene-positive for Huntington’s disease, would do when they’d watch the film together.
Anytime the original “Beetlejuice” movie appeared on TV, whether we were halfway through dinner or heading to bed, everything stopped. “Just for a few minutes,” she’d say. But we all knew we’d be watching it until the credits rolled.
As opening night to the sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” approached, Jill transformed into a mix of movie critic and excited child on Christmas morning. She purchased tickets as soon as they were available and planned our theater arrival with military precision.
“We need to get there early,” she announced the day before. “Like, two hours early.”
“The movie doesn’t start until 7:30 p.m.,” I reminded her.
“Exactly. So we’ll leave at 5:15.”
Her expression told me this wasn’t up for debate. It wasn’t just excitement Jill was experiencing. She was in her element, and I knew better than to argue.
True to form, once we arrived at the theater, Jill practically bounced through the lobby to pick up the drinks and snacks she had preordered. As other moviegoers trickled in over the next two hours, Jill shared trivia about the original film, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
As the opening credits rolled, Jill’s face lit up. She squeezed my hand during familiar callbacks to the original, laughed at the new jokes, and seemed to be having exactly the experience she’d hoped for. But about halfway through the film, I glanced over and noticed something unexpected: tears rolling down her cheeks.
This wasn’t the reaction I’d expected from a supernatural comedy. Concerned, I leaned closer.
“My dad loved the first one,” she whispered, catching my look. “We used to watch it together all the time. He would randomly repeat ‘Beetlejuice’ three times, as if that worked in the real world.” Jill’s father passed away from complications of HD in 2011, and here in the darkness of the theater, those memories were playing alongside the film.
“He had really good taste in movies,” she added with a gentle smile, noticing my sadness. Then, with the kind of grace that still amazes me after all these years, she shared something that touched my heart: “If Huntington’s means I’m not here for the third one, you have to promise to bring Alexus. Celebrate my great taste.”
I promised, of course. And added that she has excellent taste — in movies and (if I do say so myself) husbands too. She squeezed my hand again, and we turned back to the screen, but my mind was elsewhere.
Sometimes a sequel does more than continue a story. Sometimes it opens a door to memories we hold dear, allowing us to share them with those we love. Sometimes it reminds us of the bittersweet reality that our time together is precious. And sometimes, in a crowded theater, we find moments of profound connection that remind us to cherish every laugh, every tear, and every shared moment.
Note: Huntington’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Huntington’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Huntington’s disease.
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