Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the long-awaited sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 cult classic, arrives with a lot of anticipation. After more than three decades, Burton, Michael Keaton, and Winona Ryder return to the world of the macabre, bringing their signature blend of dark humor, surreal visuals, and eccentric characters. But does this follow-up capture the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of the original, or is it simply a nostalgic retread? The answer lies somewhere in between.
The original film was a quirky, imaginative romp that introduced audiences to the mischievous and grotesque demon, Betelgeuse, played by Keaton. The role became one of his most iconic characters. It was a film that balanced the bizarre with the heartfelt, creating a unique tone that resonated with audiences and established Burton as a filmmaker with a distinct vision. Now, with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Burton attempts to recapture that spirit while expanding the story into new territory. He does so by adding in a whole gaggle of new characters that are not needed but not without their pleasures.
The sequel reintroduces us to Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), who has transformed from the goth-obsessed teenager of the first film into the host of a ghost-hunting television show. Perhaps it is my teenage crush on this character, but I am not certain fans of Lydia will love this characterization. Gone is the quick quipping teen who felt like a match for the demon, and in its place is a woman unable to take control of her life. Her daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), embodies the sullen teenage angst that Lydia once displayed, creating a strained mother-daughter relationship at the story’s core. After the death of Lydia’s father, Charles, the Deetz family is forced to reunite, drawing Lydia back to her haunted past and setting the stage for the return of Betelgeuse. The flashback of Charles' death is a one of the film's highlights.
Keaton’s Betelgeuse is once again the star of the show, with the character playing a similar role in this sequel. That means Keaton only gets like 20 minutes of screen time but he makes the most of it. This time, Betelgeuse is on the run from his ex-wife Delores (Monica Bellucci), a soul-sucking demon who has returned from the afterlife to seek revenge. The dynamic between Betelgeuse and Delores adds a new layer of chaos to the film, with Burton leaning into the character’s grotesque charm and physical comedy. However, Delores is thinly written and never feels like a particular threat here.
One of the strengths of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is its commitment to practical effects and old-school visual trickery. Burton’s use of stop-motion, puppetry, and in-camera effects is a welcome return to form, providing the film with a tactile quality that is often missing in today’s CGI-dominated landscape. The film’s visuals are vibrant and imaginative, with a color palette that alternates between ghastly greens, gloomy blues, and the iconic black-and-white stripes of Betelgeuse’s suit. These elements help to create a whimsical and nightmarish world that feels both familiar and fresh.
The script, credited to Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, is overstuffed with subplots and characters, leading to a narrative that often feels cluttered and unfocused. The introduction of new characters, such as Willem Dafoe’s Wolf Jackson, a delusional actor who believes he’s a supercop, adds to the chaotic energy of the film but ultimately feels unnecessary. The film’s central theme of grief and generational trauma is intriguing, but it is overshadowed by the sheer volume of competing storylines and the desire to cram in as many jokes and references as possible.
Despite these shortcomings, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice manages to capture some of the magic that made the original film so beloved. Keaton’s performance is as electrifying as ever, and Ryder’s return as Lydia provides the film with a sense of continuity and emotional grounding. Catherine O’Hara also shines as Delia Deetz, delivering a performance that is both hilarious and endearing.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a film that will likely divide audiences. For fans of the original, there is much to enjoy, from the nostalgic callbacks to the inventive visual gags. However, those looking for a cohesive narrative or deeper emotional resonance may find themselves disappointed. In the end, the film is a fun, if somewhat uneven, return to the strange and spooky world of Betelgeuse, and while it may not reach the heights of its predecessor, it offers enough charm and humor to make it worth the trip.
3/5
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