The much-anticipated sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” attempts to revive the chaotic charm of Tim Burton’s 1988 classic but falls short in capturing the same quirky magic that made the original a cult favorite. Michael Keaton reprises his role as the eccentric trickster demon, Beetlejuice, bringing his signature blend of humor and bizarre antics. However, despite some entertaining moments and nostalgic nods to the original, the new film struggles with an overcomplicated plot and fails to match the unhinged creativity of its predecessor.
The original “Beetlejuice” was a groundbreaking film that blended horror and comedy in a way that had never been seen before, etching itself into pop culture history. It was a movie that introduced a generation of kids to the thrill of scary movies while offering something completely fresh and imaginative. Unfortunately, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” does not quite capture that same lightning in a bottle. While there are glimpses of Tim Burton’s spooky spectacle, the sequel lacks the cohesiveness and charm that made the original so memorable.
The film centers around the strained relationship between Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) and her daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega), who is the modern-day embodiment of her mother’s rebellious goth persona. Lydia, now a famous TV psychic, is haunted by memories of Beetlejuice, the mischievous ghost who once tried to marry her. Astrid, an environmentally conscious boarding school student, is dismissive of her mother’s paranormal abilities and struggles with the absence of her deceased father. Their relationship forms the emotional core of the film, but the subplot becomes muddled amid a host of other narrative threads.
Beetlejuice himself is still a joy to watch, with Keaton delivering a performance that reminds audiences why the character became so iconic. However, his antics feel less dangerous and more subdued compared to the original. The plot complicates things further by introducing Beetlejuice’s ex-wife Delores (Monica Bellucci), a death cult leader on a revenge mission, and a host of other side characters who each have their own storylines, making the film feel overstuffed and uneven.
Despite its shortcomings, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” does have its moments of inspired fun. Burton’s expansion of the Afterlife is visually striking, complete with checkerboard landscapes and a sandworm-infested desert. There’s also a stylish nod to Italian horror cinema, showcasing Burton’s flair for blending the macabre with the whimsical. The scenes with Astrid in the Afterlife are particularly engaging, highlighting Jenna Ortega’s talent and proving her casting as the daughter of Lydia was spot on.
The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Justin Theroux as Lydia’s dim-witted manager and Willem Dafoe as Wolf Jackson, an over-the-top Afterlife cop. However, even with these additions, the sequel struggles to recapture the magic of the original. The charm of the first film lay in its simplicity—a recently deceased couple trying to scare off the new owners of their home—and this sequel’s sprawling plot loses that focus.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” does not live up to the expectations set by the original. While it may delight die-hard fans with its nostalgic references and entertaining performances, it lacks the cohesive storytelling and imaginative flair that made the 1988 classic a beloved masterpiece. In the end, the ghost with the most deserved a better comeback tale, but for younger audiences who may discover the world of Beetlejuice for the first time, it might still be a win.
