Tim Burton’s long-awaited sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, arrives 36 years after the original with a blend of nostalgia and new quirks that fans of the franchise will enjoy.
While it may not capture the wild, original charm of the 1988 classic, it offers a playful return to Burton’s eccentric universe, featuring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Jenna Ortega.
A Return to Burton’s Eccentric World
The original Beetlejuice was a game-changer, blending comedy, horror, and high camp in a uniquely Burtonesque fashion. Known for its surreal depiction of the afterlife and Michael Keaton’s unforgettable performance as the mischievous bio-exorcist, the film became a cult classic.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice aims to rekindle that magic, but with a modern twist and a dose of fan service.
Plot and Performances
In Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, we find Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) as a psychic mediator running her own paranormal TV show. She’s now a distressed figure, dealing with a sleazy TV-producer boyfriend (Justin Theroux) and a skeptical daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega).
Burton’s quirky touch is evident in scenes like the one featuring Monica Bellucci as Delores, a ghost piecing herself together to the tune of the Bee Gees’ “Tragedy.” It’s this blend of dark humor and whimsy that fans have come to love.
Watch the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Trailer
Michael Keaton returns as Beetlejuice with the same manic energy that made his original portrayal iconic. At 73, Keaton still brings an unhinged charm to the character, managing to add fresh layers to the role while staying true to its roots. The film also features Catherine O’Hara as the delightfully over-the-top Delia and Willem Dafoe in a cheeky homage to classic B-movies.
Nostalgia and New Twists
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is as much a tribute to its predecessor as it is a standalone story. The film opens with Danny Elfman’s familiar ghostly score and revisits the charmingly creepy town of Winter River.
The plot includes Burton-esque absurdities, such as a claymation segment and a comically absurd “Soul Train” sequence. While the film’s humor and horror elements don’t hit the same highs as the original, they provide a satisfying dose of Burton’s signature style.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a lightweight sequel that celebrates its predecessor with playful nods and new eccentricities. It’s not quite the cult sensation that the original Beetlejuice was, but it successfully delivers enough Burton juice to please fans old and new.
Whether you’re drawn in by the nostalgia or the quirky new elements, this sequel is a fun, if slightly uneven, return to the ghostly world of Beetlejuice.
