Tim Burton returns to the fantastical world of his 80s horror comedy film with the sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Returning to the fold are the original cast members Catherine O’Hara, Winona Ryder, and Michael Keaton who reprises his role as the bio-exorcist Betelgeuse. Rather than change what the original did, Burton keeps the wacky and grim humor in the new film as the crazy world of the afterlife gets expanded. Keaton hasn’t lost his touch with his brand of comedy to portray the title character. It is a worthy enough sequel to a classic film showing Burton’s distinct style of filmmaking that he’s been known for during the start of his career.
It has been over 30 years since Beetlejuice as we find Lydia Deetz (Ryder) has become a successful medium for the undead in her TV program. She is still haunted by her encounter with Betelgeuse when she was only a teenager as it has followed her through most of her life. She gets some help with her show from her manager and lover Rory (Justin Theroux) who wants her show to succeed and do what it takes to keep the fame going. Lydia also has a teenage daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega), whom she has a strained relationship with since the passing of her child’s father. Lydia is soon called back to her childhood home along with her stepmother Delia (O’Hara) after the death of her father Charles. Their journey back to Winter River brings up old trauma as they come face-to-face with the trickster demon along with the rest of the afterlife.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice does follow much of what made the original great with some fresh ideas that grow the world of Beetlejuice even more. It sticks with the traditional trademarks of Burton’s storytelling and visual flair. There’s a lot to explore with the new installment as it goes deeper into the film’s version of the underworld that was only briefly shown in the original. The use of practical effects and puppetry makes the film unique with its Gothic atmosphere. Fans of Burton will appreciate how much effort was put into the sequel much like his earlier work. Even the soundtrack from Danny Elfman is very nostalgic about how Beetlejuice just emulates the kind of movies Burton likes to make for his audience.
What Tim Burton does with his characters is fit them into his eccentric vision, allowing his actors to commit to their roles to deliver some memorable performances. Keaton returning as the title character reminds everyone why he is the only person capable of playing such a role. Much like the first film, Keaton’s presence is felt and once he makes his entrance, he goes all out like he is just having fun with this character. Even seeing Ryder reprising her role as Lydia is great as we see her dealing with motherhood and some PTSD as she still is reeling from the events that transpired in the first movie. She tries to reconnect with her daughter, played by Jenna who plays this independent spirit who doesn’t want anything to do with her mother and her connection to the supernatural. Ortega feels like she fits right into this world, which matches Ryder’s Lydia in Beetlejuice.
The film also introduces audiences to some new characters, some that are quite memorable and add an extra layer to the story. Willem Dafoe plays Wolf Jackson, a dead B-list movie star who acts like the detective solving a case that involves Betelgeuse. Dafoe does well in acting the part and is well-versed in this world that Burton has created. There are also some great scenes with Monica Belucci who plays Betelguese’s ex-lover Delores, some involving a couple of creepy effects that make Delores a force to be reckoned with. Rounding out the cast is Justin Theroux as Rory, Lydia’s boyfriend and television producer who gets to be weird despite playing a normal person looking to be a part of Lydia’s rise to fame.
The story of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice does often feel somewhat scattered as a couple of plot points can feel out of place. There are a lot of characters that are being juggled and are supposed to link up towards the third act. However, some of the plot threads don’t get enough screen time and often become more of an afterthought once they surface. One of the most interesting plots revolves around Belucci’s Delores, which provides a great back story on Betelgeuse as it’s told in a classic black-and-white style reminiscent of old horror films. Her introduction is a great and interesting way to bring a villain into a film, but it feels wasted as she gets lost in the shuffle when she’s on her quest to hunt down Betelgeuse. Even Dafoe’s character doesn’t get much screen time, making the movie struggle with its multiple storylines and characters while trying to fit it all together in one movie.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a great revisit to Burton’s kooky world that he created from the 1988 film. It’s a return to form for Burton with his unique style and vision that he’s been known for in his earlier pieces of work. Even though there’s nothing groundbreaking from the director, the movie offers great entertainment that audiences will enjoy. It is engaging to see the world of Beetlejuice expanded in ways that make it more fun for fans both old and new. Despite its shortcomings in the script, Beetlejuice’s second go-around more than makes up for it with its creepy and weird sense of humor as well as the performances led by the talented Keaton. It’s a sequel that just sticks to the formula to make a well-crafted movie to kick off the spooky season.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is currently in theaters now.
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