REVIEW SCORE: 2.5/5 STARS
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice proves that Tim Burton’s macabre imagination can still stir up campy mayhem, especially when Michael Keaton or Catherine O’Hara are on screen. While this long-awaited sequel may not fully recapture the magic of the 1988 original, it offers a wild ride through the afterlife filled with quirky humor, chaotic energy, and a visually arresting world that’s worth visiting—at least once.
Returning to his role as the ghostly mischief-maker, Michael Keaton shines as Beetlejuice, the same chaotic spirit we loved from the first movie, but with even more edge. His scenes crackle with electricity, bringing a nostalgic joy to those who missed his antics. It’s clear that Keaton has not lost his knack for the bizarre, and the film knows it, giving him plenty of room to go all out.
Winona Ryder also makes a welcome return as Lydia Deetz, though her character has undergone significant changes. Now a television star cashing in on her ghost-hunting fame, Lydia’s arc feels somewhat disconnected from her rebellious, goth roots. She’s become part of the very world she once mocked, and her estrangement from her teenage daughter Astrid (played by Jenna Ortega) is a key emotional subplot. But while Lydia is more grounded than in the original, Ryder shines when she’s allowed to embrace the character’s weirdness again, especially in her interactions with Beetlejuice.
O’Hara’s return as Delia Deetz is perhaps the film’s greatest comedic delight. She perfectly captures the eccentric, self-absorbed nature of her character, reveling in her absurdity. Delia is once again obsessed with herself, turning every situation—whether it’s a funeral or a haunting—into a theatrical production about her. O’Hara’s comedic timing is spot-on, reminding us why she stole so many scenes in the original.
However, the film isn’t without its shortcomings. One of the biggest issues is its overstuffed narrative. There are multiple subplots and unnecessary characters, like Monica Bellucci’s revenge-seeking ex-wife of Beetlejuice and Willem Dafoe’s afterlife detective, who feel out of place and contribute little to the overall story. These distractions make the movie feel bloated, despite its relatively short 104-minute runtime.
Another downside is the absence of the original film’s emotional core, which was anchored by the “normal” ghostly couple, Adam and Barbara Maitland (played by Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis). Their relatable, suburban plight balanced the original’s zany supernatural elements. Without them, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice lacks the same heart, and the focus on Lydia’s TV career and family issues doesn’t quite fill the gap.
Yet despite its uneven plot and lack of depth, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice thrives on Tim Burton’s visual flair and dark sense of humor. The film is a feast for the eyes, with vibrant, gothic colors, stop-motion effects, and outrageous set pieces that capture the essence of Burton’s style. The afterlife bureaucracy, which expands on the original’s DMV-style depiction, is even more absurd this time, with a Heaven that looks like a hellish New York subway station.
The film also gives fans plenty of nods to the original, though some of these callbacks feel a bit forced. The grand finale, which brings the entire cast together, leans heavily on nostalgia, revisiting several iconic moments from the first film—just without the magic of Harry Belafonte’s “Jump in the Line.”
Ultimately, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a mixed bag. It doesn’t quite capture the charm or wit of the original, and its plot feels cluttered with unnecessary elements. But for those looking for a fun, campy ride through Tim Burton’s imagination, this sequel delivers plenty of ghoulish entertainment. Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara’s performances alone make it worth the trip, even if the film itself falls short of classic status.
Pros:
• Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara deliver standout performances. Bob is great too.
• Tim Burton’s visual style is as captivating and inventive as ever.
• The film is filled with quirky, campy humor and chaotic energy.Cons:
• The plot is cluttered with too many subplots and unnecessary characters.
• Lacks the emotional core of the original film, making it feel more superficial.
• No Harry Belafonte moment to recapture the musical magic of the first film.In the end, while Beetlejuice Beetlejuice may not be a new classic, it’s a fun, visually stunning romp through the afterlife that offers plenty of Halloween thrills. For fans of the original, it’s worth checking out—just don’t expect it to surpass the ghost with the most’s first outing.