“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” marks the long-awaited return to Tim Burton’s twisted, supernatural (under)world. Fans (myself included) of the original 1988 film are hoping this sequel will recapture the magic that made the first such a cult classic.
After a sudden family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family find themselves back in their hometown of Winter River. Lydia (Winona Ryder), still tormented by her past encounters with Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), faces new chaos when her rebellious teenage daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega) stumbles upon a mysterious portal to the afterlife. When the infamous name is spoken three times, Beetlejuice makes his mischievous return, eager to wreak havoc with his signature brand of mayhem.
After viewing the film, I was unfortunately left fairly underwhelmed. The biggest issue with “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is the plot, which feels unnecessarily cluttered. The film has several subplots that meander without any real payoff, giving the overall film a bogged-down feeling. These narrative dead-ends contribute little to the overarching story and just feel like filler fluff. As a result, the film’s pacing suffers, as it frequently slows down in places where the action and humour should have been ramping up. While the original film had a quirky, fast-paced energy, this sequel feels much more disjointed and unfocused.
Despite its narrative flaws, the film’s technical aspects are where it truly excels. The special effects and visual design are nothing short of spectacular. From vibrant and surreal set pieces to imaginative creature designs, the film embraces its weirdness in full force. The sound design further enhances the atmosphere, adding layers to the ghostly world. And of course, Danny Elfman’s score stands out, perfectly complementing the film’s eerie and whimsical tone. His music is both nostalgic and refreshing; capturing the spirit of the original while adding new twists.
The film’s strongest asset, no surprise, is Michael Keaton (Batman), reprising his role as the iconic sleazeball Beetlejuice. Keaton’s performance is as unhinged and chaotic as ever, reminding audiences why he was the perfect fit for the character. It feels as though no time has passed since the original, with Keaton effortlessly stepping back into the role. His charm – despite playing a character that is thoroughly disgusting – is magnetic, and he commands every scene he’s in. Unfortunately, Beetlejuice’s late arrival in the film left me waiting too long for the action to pick up. Once he finally shows up in the third act, the film comes alive, but by then, the energy is short-lived as the film now rushes towards its conclusion.
Jenna Ortega’s (Wednesday) addition to the cast is one of the film’s highlights. She brings a grounded, emotional depth that contrasts nicely with the chaotic energy around her. Ortega’s performance injects some much-needed heart into the film, making her character one of the more memorable aspects of the sequel. On the other hand, Monica Bellucci’s (The Matrix: Reloaded) Delores, who serves as the main antagonist, is sorely underused. Her appearances are sporadic, and her character adds very little to the narrative. Delores feels more like a placeholder villain rather than a fully fleshed-out threat, and her bland presence detracts from the stakes.
Similarly, Justin Theroux’s (American Psycho) character, Rory, is given far too much screen time, turning what could have been a quirky side character into an annoying, one-note presence. His constant appearances take away from the more interesting elements of the story, and his character arc also feels underdeveloped.
Ultimately, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is a mixed bag. While it features a standout performance by Keaton and impressive visual effects, its lack of focus, numerous underdeveloped characters, and late arrival of its star player prevent it from fully delivering on the potential I was hoping for. It’s a fun watch, but not the triumphant return I expected.
5/10
