Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024): A Review

Official Warner Bros. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Trailer

Say His Name Twice and a Legacy Sequel Shall be Birthed

After 36 years, Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice is back on the big screen, reigniting the chaos and charm of the iconic 1988 supernatural comedy. The return of the beloved original sets the stage for its long-anticipated sequel, which reunites Michael Keaton as the wild, irreverent ghost Beetlejuice and Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz. The sequel delivers a dive deeper into the bizarre afterlife, following Lydia’s daughter, played by Jenna Ortega, who unwittingly summons Beetlejuice once again. Burton’s signature dark humor combines with a new generation of Deetzes in tow.

The Juice

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice takes the chaotic supernatural world of the original film to new depths, blending nostalgia with a fresh narrative. The sequel centers on Lydia Deetz, once a goth-obsessed teenager and now a mother, played by Winona Ryder. Following a tragic loss, Lydia and her daughter, Astrid, portrayed by Jenna Ortega, return to their eerie family home in Winter River. The once-haunted house now serves as the backdrop for their grief, but it’s not long before Astrid stumbles upon an opening into the Afterlife. Unwillingly, this leads Lydia to call upon the mischievous Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), who’s been trapped and forgotten for decades. Beetlejuice seizes the opportunity to return, bringing his brand of mayhem into Lydia and Astrid’s already turbulent lives. As the Afterlife invades the real world, Lydia must confront her past, while Astrid is forced to navigate the strange and dangerous new dimensions that she accidentally unlocked.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice presents a plot that, while coherent and engaging, occasionally ventures into a realm of whimsical absurdity that can feel a bit oversaturated. The film maintains a generally smooth pace and a well-balanced tone that captures the essence of the original, while blending dark humor with supernatural antics. However, in the middle of it all, the narrative can become somewhat congested with a flurry of chaotic events and character interactions that briefly obscure the storyline. Despite these mid-film fluctuations, the movie ultimately finds its rhythm and concludes on a high note, delivering a satisfying resolution that aligns with its quirky and imaginative spirit. Overall, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice manages to stay true to its roots while navigating its own complex narrative, ensuring a memorable experience that resonates with fans of the franchise.

Performances

The performances in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice are a standout element, with the entire cast delivering strong, memorable portrayals that breathe life into the eccentric world of Burton. Ryder slips effortlessly back into the role of Lydia Deetz, providing a grounded yet powerful performance that does justice to the character she first brought to life decades ago. Ortega shines as Astrid Deetz, bringing a familiar dark charm that echoes her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in Burton’s Wednesday. Ortega balances youthful curiosity with a brooding intensity, making her character feel new and connected to the gothic spirit of her mother.

Newcomers to the franchise, including Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, and Willem Dafoe, deliver equally compelling performances. Each of their characters adds depth and texture to the story, bringing a dark, exciting energy that tightens the film’s plot and maintains its unique tone. Their portrayals help ground the chaotic elements of the Afterlife while still allowing Burton’s trademark surrealism to shine through.

However, Michael Keaton’s return as Beetlejuice is the highlight of the film. His performance feels like he’s been waiting decades to step back into the role, and he doesn’t disappoint — his energy and comedic timing rival his original portrayal, bringing the iconic character back with just as much gusto and irreverence. Finally, Catherine O’Hara steals the spotlight with her impeccable comedic timing as Delia Deetz. Her scenes add an extra layer of humor and fun to the film, making her the most delightful presence whenever she’s on screen. Overall, the cast’s performances elevate Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, blending nostalgia with fresh dynamics to keep the film both entertaining and engaging.

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Atmospheric Elements

The cinematography and soundtrack of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice play a pivotal role in shaping its eerie yet whimsical atmosphere, blending Burton’s signature style with modern flourishes. One of the film’s most striking aspects is Burton’s insistence on using practical effects — a choice he made a prerequisite to direct the sequel. In an era where CGI dominates the industry, Burton’s commitment to tangible, hands-on effects adds an authenticity and tactile quality that immerses the audience into the world. This decision pays off in spades —creatures, set pieces, and visual gags all feel grounded in reality, making the Afterlife scenes both immersive and nostalgic. The production design is pristine, with an eerie yet refined quality that balances gothic elements with a strange sophistication. The Deetz family home is both haunting and stylish, and the Afterlife has evolved dramatically from the original film; it now boasts a modern, sleek aesthetic. This evolution reflects how the passage of time has impacted even the realm of spirits, giving it a fresher, more polished look while maintaining that signature otherworldly feel.

The cinematography, under Burton’s careful direction, seamlessly captures this blend of old and new. The lighting is deliberate, often bathing scenes in shadows or harsh, dreamlike tones that heighten the film’s offbeat, ghostly atmosphere. The camera work also complements this, using dynamic movements that echo the chaotic energy of Beetlejuice himself, while steadier shots frame the more somber, reflective moments with Lydia and Astrid. The contrast between these two styles keeps the visual storytelling engaging and tonally consistent.

One of the film’s most unique and effective choices is the use of Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park” as a recurring theme throughout the film. The song’s eccentric, almost surreal lyrics and melody perfectly capture the bizarre, unpredictable nature of the film, and its placement in key scenes adds an unexpected layer of humor and nostalgia. Whether it’s used during moments of ghostly chaos or as a backdrop to the Deetz family’s more emotional struggles, the song feels oddly fitting, enhancing the film’s quirky tone without overpowering the other elements.

If there’s anything that could have been adjusted, it might be the pacing of the score during quieter scenes, where a subtler musical approach could have allowed the visual elements to breathe more. However, overall, the cinematography and soundtrack of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice are highly effective. They enhance the film’s unique blend of horror, comedy, and whimsy while staying true to Burton’s original vision. The film strikes a fine balance between paying homage to its predecessor and embracing a modern aesthetic, making it a feast for both the eyes and ears.

Verdict

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice emerges as a well-crafted legacy sequel that successfully honors the original film while delivering a fresh yet familiar experience for both new and returning fans. While it may not surpass the iconic status of Burton’s 1988 classic, it nearly matches the original’s charm and offbeat brilliance. Burton’s return to the director’s chair brings a meticulous blend of nostalgia and innovation, capturing the whimsical essence of the Afterlife with practical effects that lend authenticity and tactile wonder to the film. Demonstrating that even after all these years, Burton’s vision remains as captivating and eccentric as ever. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice can be seen in theaters on September 6.

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