If You Liked Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Don’t Miss This Wildly Fun 2025 Horror Comedy

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Fans of both “Beetlejuice” and “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” will undoubtedly appreciate one of the most distinctive films of 2025, titled “The Parenting“. This Max original movie shares several similarities with the cherished Tim Burton series. Similar to how “Beetlejuice” and its title character gained unexpected popularity in the late 80s, they eventually became staples of pop culture, leading to a TV show and, ultimately, a sequel that premiered in 2024.

On the opposite side, “The Parenting” is an unheralded director’s straight-to-streaming movie. Despite its low profile, this film boasts an incredibly talented cast, featuring Brian Cox, known for his role in “Succession,” and Parker Posey from “The White Lotus.” The resemblance between the two films is striking at times, making “The Parenting” seem like it could almost be a remake of “Beetlejuice.

Fans Of The Beetlejuice Movies Will Probably Enjoy The Parenting

The Horror Comedies Have A Lot In Common

Much like Beetlejuice, The Parenting initially presents a straightforward scenario: two families unite at what later proves to be a haunted house. Yet, this movie expands on these initial links as the latest Max film incorporates several nods to Beetlejuice. For instance, a green light is employed in a scene where Frank gets possessed, paying tribute to the ’80s masterpiece, and characters are depicted singing around a dinner table in an echo of that iconic moment.

In addition, the entrances to the houses in both films share a resemblance, Brenda and Delia display comparable personalities, and the wallpaper matches what you’d find in the Maitlands’ home. Both films maintain a light-hearted approach, making fans of Beetlejuice likely to appreciate The Parenting’s playful horror-comedy tone. It’s a wacky blend of humor and horror that thrives on the skills of its talented cast members.

The Parenting Is A Fun Watch, Despite Its Rotten Tomatoes Score

The Film Is Fun From Start To Finish

Critics’ reviews for “The Parenting” were only moderately positive, with a 44% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, a more detailed examination shows that the Popcornmeter, which collects opinions from regular moviegoers, gives it an 87% score. This indicates that the average audience found the film highly enjoyable. As mentioned, the fact that “The Parenting” doesn’t take itself too seriously, similar to “Beetlejuice”, makes it endearing to viewers.

As a cinephile, I’d put it this way: This film knows its sweet spot lies in being a quirky blend of horror and comedy, and it doesn’t shy away from that. From Brian Cox giving an over-the-top physical performance when he gets possessed to Lisa Kudrow and Parker Posey cracking up the audience with their humorous dialogues, The Parenting is simply a blast. It’s not the film you’d choose for an Academy Award contender, but it’s perfect if you’re looking for a fun way to pass 90 or so minutes.

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2025-05-14 06:16