“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Tim Burton’s latest venture back into the delightfully macabre world he first introduced us to in 1988, premiered to eager audiences at the Venice Film Festival. The film brings back the beloved chaos of the original, coupling it with a modern twist that aims to captivate both old fans and new. While the sequel sparkles with Burton’s signature style, it inevitably invites comparisons to its predecessor, a challenge it meets with gusto but not without shortcomings.
The film reunites us with the iconic characters portrayed by Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and a spirited new addition by Jenna Ortega. Burton’s world is as visually stunning as ever, filled with the quirky, Gothic charm we’ve come to expect. Keaton revives his role with the same manic energy that made Beetlejuice a cult icon. However, despite his commendable performance, the sequel does not quite reach the high bar set by the original.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” opens with a nostalgic return to Winter River, Connecticut, where Lydia Deetz (Ryder), now a psychic mediator, grapples with her new life and strained relationship with her daughter, Astrid (Ortega). The plot thickens with the return of Beetlejuice, spiraling into a series of chaotic events that remind us why the original film charmed and chilled in equal measure.
The movie is packed with Burton’s typical flair for the surreal and the supernatural, meshing dark comedy with the oddities of the afterlife. New characters like Monica Bellucci’s Delores add a fresh dynamic, although at times the narrative feels crowded as it tries to accommodate both new and old elements.
While “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” offers a compelling new chapter full of all the bizarre and eerie delights expected of a Burton film, it also falls into the trap of many sequels by leaning heavily into nostalgia. The film spends considerable time rehashing familiar beats from the first film, which, while enjoyable, sometimes feels like a retread rather than a new journey. The original “Beetlejuice” was groundbreaking for its originality and daring humor, qualities that are mirrored here but with less novelty the second time around.
The film’s soundtrack and visual effects deserve special mention, brilliantly complementing the eerie and whimsical atmosphere. Danny Elfman’s score, in particular, enhances the spectral antics on screen, weaving together the old and new threads of the story.
In conclusion, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is undoubtedly a fun watch and a worthy attempt to recapture the spirit of a beloved classic. It succeeds as a heartfelt homage to its predecessor and stands solidly on its own with several standout moments and performances. However, for those of us who hold the original close to our hearts, this sequel, while entertaining, doesn’t quite usurp the throne. It was enjoyable, but I find myself preferring the unmatched originality and shock value of the first “Beetlejuice.” Nonetheless, Tim Burton’s latest does enough to warrant a watch, especially for fans eager to revisit the director’s uniquely eerie universe.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice releases in theaters September 6.