Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Review: Tim Burton’s Return To The Afterlife Is A Hysterical And Heartfelt Return To Form

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Review: Tim Burton’s Return To The Afterlife Is A Hysterical And Heartfelt Return To Form

As a longtime fan of the original Beetlejuice from the 80s, I must say that watching Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was like stepping into a time machine and being transported back to my youth. The movie was a delightful blend of chaos, humor, and heart that perfectly captured the spirit of the original.


As a die-hard fan of “Beetlejuice”, I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement whenever a sequel is announced. The question that always pops up when legacy films are in the works is, “Why now?” After all, it’s been decades since Tim Burton’s original horror-comedy took over the box office. With numerous false starts and setbacks, the anticipation for this return to the afterlife has only grown stronger. Finally, the moment has arrived, and I’m thrilled to report that those who never gave up hope for a “Beetlejuice” sequel will not be left wanting. The team’s affection and reverence for the 1988 classic is evident in every thread of this story. It’s a testament to why that movie resonated so deeply with audiences and how it can be reimagined for a new generation to enjoy.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Review: Tim Burton’s Return To The Afterlife Is A Hysterical And Heartfelt Return To Form

Title Release Date: September 6, 2024

In a straightforward manner, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice effortlessly continues its legacy. Lydia Deetz, played by Winona Ryder, is now hosting her own ghost-hunting TV show. Her ambitious boyfriend/producer, Justin Theroux, supports her endeavor, and she has a daughter, Astrid, portrayed by Jenna Ortega, who doubts her abilities. Unfortunately, just as their family life takes an unexpected turn for the worse, a tragic event forces Lydia to return home at the most inconvenient time.

The movie “Beetlejuice” employs the demise of Charles Deetz, portrayed by Jeffrey Jones, to kickstart another supernatural escapade for the character. It cleverly blends tension between mothers and daughters, which surprisingly complement each other. In one instance, Lydia and Astrid argue over whether her ability to see the deceased is genuine. Simultaneously, Lydia’s step-mother Delia (Catherine O’Hara) confronts her in their shared sorrow. However, before harmony can settle in, Beetlejuice, played by Michael Keaton, resurfaces as his impending union has caused quite a stir in the afterlife.

Tim Burton has basically made another Beetlejuice movie, and that’s a high compliment.

The new Beetlejuice movie isn’t trying to surpass the original with excessive backstory or lore, instead it offers more chaos as you’d expect from a Tim Burton production. This isn’t necessarily a drawback since replicating the anarchic spirit of the first Beetlejuice was quite challenging. The joy Michael Keaton derives from reprising his role is a strong indication that this project was well-executed.

In this new version, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice doesn’t rely on groundbreaking changes as an excuse for continuation. Instead, it follows similar principles to those established earlier, but with a few tweaks to the rules of coexistence between the living and the dead that align with the storyline. Tim Burton’s reunion with Wednesday collaborators Alfred Gough & Miles Millar on this project offers a delightful revisit of beloved characters and scenarios, while also providing some fresh elements to keep things interesting.

In the spirit of maintaining the festive ambiance of the hereafter and incorporating melodious chuckles reminiscent of its predecessor, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” serves as a much-anticipated sequel that manages to steer clear of feeling repetitive while still delivering familiar favorites. Yes, the tune “Day-O” makes a clever appearance as an Easter egg, but it’s also used effectively for humor. As for the fresh musical sequences, they are presented with vigor, featuring new, heartfelt melodies that may surprisingly resonate deeply with viewers.

Even with the entire cast of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice being in tip top shape, one performer almost steals the entire movie.

In the entertaining movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder team up once more to outsmart fresh faces Jenna Ortega, Willem Dafoe, and Justin Theroux. The film’s charm is enhanced by the delightful dynamic between Ryder and Ortega as mother and daughter. While the prospect of reassembling “Wednesday’s” lead actress Winona Ryder and director Tim Burton might seem inevitable, it’s refreshing to see Jenna Ortega stepping away from the usual “spooky” vibes that her fans are accustomed to.

Astrid Deetz serves as an illustration of the double-edged nature of the newcomers in the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice cast. Introducing Lydia’s daughter helps move the story forward and echoes where Winona Ryder’s character was at a similar stage, making it plausible. This plot development is sensible because Astrid’s skepticism clashes with her mother’s past, stirring curiosity about how she will react when Beetlejuice makes his appearance.

Unfortunately, not all of the newly introduced characters have enough opportunities to significantly contribute to the overall plot. It’s important to note that this isn’t a reflection on the actors’ performances, as the complex narrative of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” includes an excess of potential antagonists and peculiar individuals. Characters such as Justin Theroux’s Rory and Monica Bellucci’s Delores serve similar roles in hindering Beetlejuice’s (Michael Keaton) plans, but Rory has the advantage of contributing comedic elements even when he’s not directly involved in the main plot progression.

Unfortunately, Delores doesn’t quite measure up to expectations, despite adding an ominous element to the story. Her portrayal doesn’t fully capture Monica Bellucci’s iconic allure as the seductive figure of the netherworld, a role she played more effectively in Rory. Introducing Beetlejuice’s former love interest is an intriguing concept, but it fails to live up to its potential when set against her character from the original narrative.

Concurrently, it appears that the cast of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has significantly altered the dynamics for two performers specifically. Michael Keaton enthusiastically squares off against humans, both fresh and familiar faces, with his signature vigor, and his decision to maintain a similar level of screen time as in the original film was a shrewd choice.

Nevertheless, it’s Catherine O’Hara’s character Delia Deetz who almost outshines everyone else in the film. Known for her avant-garde artistry, O’Hara’s well-loved TV persona could potentially attract even more fans due to her unusual approach to grief and its impact on her family.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice knows the magic words to say when crafting a horror-comedy that’s done with heart.

As a gaming enthusiast, I found “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” to carry on the legacy rather than construct a new universe. Despite a few secondary characters that didn’t quite deliver, it manages to hold its ground because the original “Beetlejuice” did the same and fans still appreciated the creative endeavor. If you expect this long-awaited sequel to clarify the storyline or make sense of the world on a narrative level, I must admit, you might be let down.

I invite you all to delve into the world of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”, reminiscent of its 1988 original. When the title was unknown and expectations were unclear, this eccentric exploration of the supernatural captured hearts as a wild display of chaos, barely restrained by a plotline. For Tim Burton and his team to recreate such a feat, nearly four decades later, is a triumph for those eagerly anticipating more of the same.

Instead of mindlessly reviving an established franchise without a convincing justification, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is born purely out of affection. The delight Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara express while revisiting their characters serves as ample evidence that the project was in capable hands. However, the real reward comes from witnessing Tim Burton returning to live-action, stop motion, and practical effects storytelling once more, making it an exhilarating experience all over again.

People were asking for more of “Beetlejuice,” and that’s precisely what we got. You can easily watch these films one after another, leaving the room with a grin on your face. Regardless of when you begin celebrating Halloween, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” seems like a fitting cinematic opening for the genuine season. And as always, anyone with even a slight curiosity for the strange and bizarre is invited to join in the fun.

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2024-09-06 05:07