'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' Movie Review: A Nostalgia-Packed Ride

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For 36 years, we’ve been cautioned against uttering his name three times. But the moment has finally arrived – Beetlejuice is back! Legendary filmmaker Tim Burton, the genre unto himself, has reunited with the one and only Michael Keaton to deliver a long-awaited sequel to the beloved 1988 classic.

The film opens with a tragedy striking the Deetz family. They must return to their creepy home in Winter River, setting the stage for Beetlejuice’s chaotic and hilarious resurgence. Check out the trailer below.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Movie Trailer

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Movie Review: What I Did and Didn’t Like

The good news is that the film has plenty of laughs and entertainment value. Michael Keaton is clearly having a blast reprising his role as the bio-exorcist, and his energy is infectious. The supporting cast, including Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara, also deliver strong performances.

However, the film did feel a bit messy and disjointed at times, with multiple storylines that don’t always come together smoothly- and some that just seemed pointless, such as that of Monica Bellucci’s Delores. Additionally, the iconic gross-out humor, while a signature of these films, didn’t always land for me personally. I found some of the more disgusting effects a bit overwhelming.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice — Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

The Script

The script weaves together themes of grief, family dynamics, and the paranormal as Lydia and Beetlejuice must work together to escape Delores and an undead cop. It’s a wild ride that captures the spirit of the original while also introducing some new elements, such as the exploration of Astrid’s own relationship with the supernatural and her mother’s work.

However, the film does feel overstuffed at times, with some subplots that don’t quite mesh seamlessly. The introduction of Delores, played by Monica Bellucci, is a prime example. While the character has an intriguing supernatural power and backstory, her role in the overall story feels underdeveloped and disconnected from the main events. You could cut her character from the film, and it wouldn’t have an impact.

Additionally, the decision to include a new antagonist in Delores, when Beetlejuice himself is such a compelling and iconic villain, is a questionable one. The film often feels like it is trying to juggle too many narrative balls, resulting in a sense of narrative bloat that weighs down the otherwise entertaining chaos.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Movie Review — Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

The Acting

The cast is the real highlight here. Michael Keaton is in top form, gleefully chewing the scenery as Beetlejuice. I know it’s controversial to say. But I actually think this may be the best character of his career (and that’s coming from a girl who LOVED him as Batman).

Winona Ryder brings a nice blend of nostalgia and growth to her character of Lydia. And her chemistry with Keaton is a delight to watch. The pair effortlessly recapture the dynamic that made their duo so memorable the first time around.

Catherine O’Hara steals every scene as the over-the-top Delia. And she brings her signature brand of over-the-top comedy, delivering her lines with perfect comedic timing and physicality. Her banter and squabbles with Ryder’s Lydia are some of the most entertaining moments in the film. I would happily watch an entire film just focused on her character.

The younger actors, like Jenna Ortega as Astrid, also hold their own. Her blend of teenage angst, curiosity, and vulnerability provided a fresh perspective on the Beetlejuice mythology.

Overall Thoughts

While Beetlejuice Beetlejuice may not reach the iconic status of the original, it’s a solid, nostalgic return to the Afterlife that should please fans of the first film. The cast is clearly committed, and Tim Burton’s signature visual style is on full display. It may not be perfect, but it’s a wild, spooky good time.