As one of the few who missed out on the 1988 classic "Beetlejuice," we approached "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" without the lens of nostalgia. Despite this, the film manages to carve out its own identity, offering a visually distinctive and humorously quirky experience. While our initial apprehensions were fueled by the film’s teasers, the final product proved to be an entertaining ride - albeit one with its fair share of stumbles.
Set decades after Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) first encountered the mischievous ghost Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton), her life is once again upended after the sudden death of her father. Forced to return to the Ghost House that started it all, Lydia is joined by her eccentric stepmother Delia (Catherine O'Hara), her boyfriend Rory (Justin Theroux), and her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega). It isn’t long before Astrid discovers the attic and inadvertently summons Betelgeuse by uttering his name three times, reigniting the chaos.
Visually, "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" is a triumph. The film masterfully recreates the feel and look of an 80s classic, with Tim Burton’s choice to prioritize practical effects over CGI adding a tangible charm that modern audiences rarely experience. This dedication to authenticity gives the film a unique aesthetic that stands out in today’s digital age. However, while the visuals impress, the narrative struggles to keep pace. The story treads familiar ground, hitting predictable beats typical of family dramas centered around a disgruntled teenager. The film introduces a variety of characters, but many, like Monica Bellucci’s Delores - Betelgeuse’s ex-wife - are disappointingly underutilized. Despite being presented as integral to the plot, Delores ultimately has little impact, and her presence feels more like an afterthought.
Where "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" truly shines is in its humor. The film’s script is packed with quirky dialogue and eccentric performances while offering a fresh, campy energy. The comedic elements are the film’s saving grace, making it an enjoyable experience despite its narrative shortcomings. While we may not be the best judges of how this sequel compares to its predecessor, "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" successfully delivers the chaotic charm of its world. And if ever it did not exceed the original, it certainly earns its place as a worthy continuation, delivering a fun, if imperfect, homage to an era of cinema long past.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Movie Review: Still The Ghost with the Most
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