By Penny Theodorakopoulou,
It’s time to celebrate, fans of Tim Burton, gothic whimsy, and endless stripes: Beetlejuice is back in town and is bringing with him all the wacky insanity you’ve been yearning for. Yes, it is correct! The Beetlejuice sequel we never knew we needed —or dared to hope would ever come— Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) is finally here. You may be sure that this review won’t ruin your movie-watching experience too much because I’ll try my hardest to keep spoilers as hidden as Lydia Deetz’s dreams of a regular life. Once more, let’s explore the boo-tiful world of Beetlejuice!
Welcome back to the Land of the Strange and Unusual
Burton creates a universe that feels like a mash-up of dreamlike pastels, monochromatic craziness, and haunted dollhouses in the first scene, and you can sense his magic touch right away. The vibe is both familiar and new at the same time, reminiscent of the scent of vintage clothes from thrift stores mixed with a hint of ectoplasm and Tim Burton’s aura.
For admirers of the original Beetlejuice, the 1988 classic, with its respect to its predecessor and its modern tweaks that somehow make the bizarre even more insane, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice hits all the right notes. It’s like going to see an old buddy who hasn’t aged but has instead accumulated more eerie trinkets for their house.
Plot: More weirdness, less normalcy
Let’s just say that, for whatever reason (yes, it is conceivable), the story ends up being even stranger than when it started. While the plot of Beetlejuice revolved around a couple fighting to retake their house from the living, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is more or less about the same thing, with bigger personalities, more stakes, and enough zombie bureaucracy to make you rethink your post-mortem plans.
Tim Burton investigates the conflict between the living and the dead once more, focusing more on the ridiculousness of the red tape in the afterlife this time. Imagine it as “Dante’s Inferno meets the Department of Motor Vehicles”, and Michael Keaton’s character, Beetlejuice, plays it with his trademark carefree flair.
While Beetlejuice’s crazy interactions with the latest strange obsessions of the human world provide some of the most memorable moments of the film, it also cleverly comments on the modern preoccupation with self-help, reality TV, and influencers. You will enjoy every minute of it; it’s Beetlejuice at his most sardonic and snarky.
Casting: Michael Keaton still has it (and then some)
Shall we discuss casting? A standing ovation is in order for Michael Keaton, who returns to his eerie pinstriped suit with the same cheeky swagger that made him the film’s star. It appears as though he has spent 36 years twiddling his rotting thumbs in the hereafter, waiting for someone to mention his name three times.
The unholy mixture of sleaze, charm, and anarchy that we all know and love remains in Keaton’s portrayal of Beetlejuice. He plays the part as though his rotten complexion and green hair were never packed away. This Beetlejuice appears much more insane and energized than the last one — as if the ghost spent his time away consuming a regular diet of Red Bull and retaliation. All in all, Keaton is a pure pleasure to see, and the movie moves at a breakneck pace thanks to his wild energy.
Let’s go on to Winona Ryder, our eternal Lydia Deetz. Now, she plays a character who is less about pouting in black lace and more about, well, I won’t give anything away, but let’s just say that she has progressed from teenage angst to larger-than-life existential dilemmas. With a performance that is both surprising and nostalgic, Ryder returns to the world of the odd and unique as if she had never gone.
Then there’s Jenna Ortega, who plays a role I can’t divulge too much without giving away too much, as the new member of the cast (Burton can’t resist his Wednesday muse). However, believe me when I say that Ortega’s portrayal falls perfectly into Burton’s own macabre style. She excels at fusing dark comedy with youthful rebellion, making her one of the most notable newcomers.
Oh, and yes, we also get a delightful mix of strange creatures, bureaucrats, and ghosts, all played by a fantastic supporting cast that includes Catherine O’Hara, who brings her exuberant energy back to this haunted franchise, and Willem Dafoe, who will of course make an appearance in a Burton film eventually.
Costumes and visuals: A Burton dream come true
Without recognizable set pieces and costumes, what would a Tim Burton film be? Not a Tim Burton film, is the response. The Beetlejuice Beetlejuice outfits, the gothic high fashion and dumpster-chic aesthetic of Beetlejuice combine to create a stunning combination. Michael Keaton’s iconic striped suit triumphantly reappears, accompanied by some new spectral fashion selections that are just as deliciously ridiculous as you could anticipate. If Beetlejuice had a clothing line, it would most likely feature avant-garde body parts, rumpled suits, and thrift store chic.
Can we also discuss the sets? It appears Tim Burton put all of his previous films into a blender after having a rummage sale. The scenes from the afterlife are more fantastical than before, balanced between the macabre and the fantastical. Imagine the first movie’s waiting area, only much more intense. Fans of Tim Burton will enjoy a visual feast as there are numerous references to Edward Scissorhands (1990) and The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993).
A little Beetlejuice goes a long way
Come on, nobody asked for a Beetlejuice sequel. The original was almost the ideal balance of absurdity and grim humor. However, because it just enjoys the mayhem and gives us more time to explore the bizarre, twisted universe that Burton built, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice succeeds rather than trying to surpass the original.
Is it flawless? No, but just like Beetlejuice himself, it’s precisely those flaws that give it such charm. The picture is a crazy journey filled with campy terror, ridiculous humor, and the everlasting appeal of Michael Keaton’s insane performance. It’s best experienced with low expectations and a strong appreciation for all things strange.
Final thoughts: Say his name (and go watch the movie)
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a wonderful, nostalgic look back at Burton’s eerie sandbox is provided by Beetlejuice. This film will delight both new and returning audiences with its dark humor and jaw-dropping graphics, as well as pitch-perfect performances and enough humor to make you laugh for days. Just be careful when you say his name… You can never be sure what kind of trouble you will cause.
Now, where’s my Handbook for the Recently Deceased?
References
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: film review. kickbacktimes.co.uk. Available here
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice review – Tim Burton has fun with pleasingly idiosyncratic sequel. theguardian.com. Available here
- ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ review: Tim Burton’s triumphant return is rightfully deranged. mashable.com. Available here
- Movie Meow: Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice is an absolute joy. theweekender.com. Available here
- Film Review: ‘Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice’ is a scary good time with a lot going on. ninertimes.com. Available here
