Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Review: Tim Burton’s Solid Sequel

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As a long-time fan of Tim Burton’s quirky and enchanting universe, stepping into Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was like slipping back into a beloved pair of shoes that have grown slightly out of shape but still retain their magic. The film, while not quite reaching the heights of the original masterpiece, is a delightful journey down memory lane, brimming with nostalgic elements that resonate deeply with fans.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t contain my excitement! Michael Keaton is once again the spectral sensation in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”! This sequel, while not perfect, serves as a fun, nostalgic journey back to our beloved original. With Tim Burton at the helm, it’s no wonder that the film echoes the charm of its predecessor, even if it doesn’t quite match up in terms of quality. After all, who else could bring the magic of Tim Burton’s iconic film to life but the man himself?

Holiday movies are always a welcome treat. A good Halloween movie is hard to beat, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a refreshing and fun addition to the genre. It captures the spirit of Halloween with its trick-or-treating and fun costumes, just like the original film. The movie’s strong eye for costuming and its fun sensibility surrounding the afterlife make it a joy to watch. Whenever Burton goes full throttle with his trademark sensibilities, throwing in stop-motion, puppetry, and his unique style, the movie truly shines. This is the most Burton that Burton has been in years, and it feels like he’s back in his comfort zone by stepping back into this world.

We revisit characters such as Lydia Deetz, played by Winona Ryder for another round. It’s delightful watching her in this new chapter of her life. In the original movie, she was a distinctive, melancholic teenager, and now, she is a mother to Astrid, portrayed by Jenna Ortega. Jenna Ortega has experience with Burton’s unique style, having worked with him on Netflix’s Wednesday series. She seamlessly slots into the world, and it’s intriguing to observe how Lydia, now a mother, connects with her daughter who mirrors Lydia’s teenage self.

Michael Keaton slips seamlessly into his role as Beetlejuice once more, demonstrating the same enthusiasm he had when first donning the character in 1988. Under Tim Burton’s unconventional direction, Beetlejuice truly shines, with its eccentric title character being a joy to say twice (but not three times!). Keaton’s return to this role mirrors his recent reprisal of Batman, and he delivers a performance that is just as vibrant. His voice and rough edges are spot-on, making the character feel fresh yet familiar. Catherine O’Hara also impresses with her comedic flair, adding to the film’s overall hilarity.

In this new installment of Beetlejuice, the focus shifts away from Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis as the Maitlands, instead centering around the Deetz family. The character Astrid experiences some poignant moments as she grapples with her father’s absence and other personal struggles. However, the movie struggles to balance multiple characters and narratives simultaneously, resulting in an overly crowded film that feels disjointed at times. Though there are numerous intriguing concepts, the sheer number of them detracts from the overall quality, creating a chaotic viewing experience that seems both intentionally messy and unintentionally so.

In the movie “Beetlejuice,” the narrative focuses on various relationships, including Astrid’s bond with a charming young man, her ties to Lydia and her deceased father, Lydia’s connection with Rory (Justin Theroux) and her mother Delia, as well as Delia’s bond with her late husband. However, the titular character, Beetlejuice, and his antics are yet to make an appearance. The film also introduces a villain, Delores, played by Monica Bellucci. While Delores has a captivating initial scene, we soon understand her objective and motivation. Regrettably, she does not significantly impact the storyline throughout the movie. Her appearances are mostly limited to walking about or eliminating minor characters, and there’s no escalation in the stakes with Delores as the plot unfolds.

As a gamer immersed in this cinematic adventure, let me share my thoughts. Though the movie seems to be reaching its conclusion, Willem Dafoe’s character, Wolf Jackson, makes an appearance as a spectral detective. It’s a treat to see him, and any film is fortunate to have such a talented actor on board. However, it feels like Wolf’s storyline doesn’t contribute much to the overall plot. His tale is somewhat linked to Delores’, but if you were to cut his scenes out, the narrative would remain largely unchanged. This is where the movie, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, falls short – there’s an excessive amount of filler material that makes each storyline feel rushed and unsatisfying when it comes to wrapping up in the climactic act.

As a devoted fan, I’d say Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a delightfully quirky film that never loses its playful spirit. The narrative carries more weight this time, giving it a fresh feel. If I were to label it, I’d call it the “Beetlejuice: Afterlife,” as it’s been dubbed lately, blending nostalgia, a grander scope, and featuring both old and new characters.

However, I yearn for films that opt for an extraordinary, indelible style over realism. Despite its densely packed and underwhelming script, Tim Burton manages to bring a delightful, engaging charm to his latest work on the bio-exorcist of the afterlife, making it a film worth grinning about.

SCORE: 6.5/10

According to the review guidelines on ComingSoon, a rating of 6 means “Decent.” However, it falls short of reaching its maximum potential and offers an ordinary, average experience.

Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our Beetlejuice Beetlejuice review.

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2024-09-07 00:40