Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved 1988 classic, has finally arrived thirty-six years later. As I sat down to watch it with my six-year-old daughter, I felt a mix of excitement and curiosity about revisiting this quirky universe together.
While I am not a huge fan of the original film, I still approached this sequel with an eager heart, especially since I watched it with my daughter, who had never experienced the whimsical world of Beetlejuice before. I can confidently say that, for us, it’s a good movie—one that entertained both of us thoroughly while offering a solid introduction to the Beetlejuice universe.
Plot and Storyline: Revisiting Familiar Territory
Set in the present day, the film introduces us to an older Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), now a grieving mother grappling with the recent death of her ex-husband, Richard. She hosts a paranormal talk show called Ghost House, but her strained relationship with her daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), creates a compelling emotional backdrop. Their dynamic is at the heart of the storyline, showing Lydia's efforts to keep her family together and navigate a world that insists on keeping the living and the dead separate.
The return of Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton), mischief and all, is a delightful twist that blends well with the overarching narrative of family, grief, and the pursuit of both acceptance and closure. The plot may meander at times, introducing various subplots that feel somewhat disconnected, but it remains anchored in the emotional core of Lydia’s relationship with her daughter. I appreciated seeing how Lydia, a character I once related to as a goth teenager, has matured and evolved—though her journey does encounter some unexpected bumps.
Cast and Performances: Old Favorites and New Faces
The cast is undoubtedly one of the film's strongest aspects. Michael Keaton effortlessly slips back into his role as Betelgeuse, retaining the chaotic charm that made the character iconic. His antics brought laughter and a sense of nostalgia, reminding me why I loved this character in the first place. Additionally, Winona Ryder shines as Lydia, showcasing a depth that resonates well throughout the film. Lydia’s struggles as a mother are palpable, and Ryder does a fantastic job of balancing her character's darker elements with the humor required for the role.
Meanwhile, Jenna Ortega brings a fresh and vibrant energy as Astrid. Their mother-daughter dynamic is relatable and poignant, capturing the complexities of familial relationships against a supernatural backdrop. Catherine O'Hara, reprising her role as Delia Deetz, adds whimsy and wit, complementing the emotional gravity of the film. Her interactions with Lydia add layers to their relationship that I found genuinely touching.
Watching this film with my daughter added an extra layer of enjoyment; she found the blend of humor and dark fantasy immensely entertaining and engaging. Her laughter and excitement throughout the film made me appreciate it even more, and the fact that she thoroughly enjoyed it bumps its rating up in my eyes.
A Visually Captivating Spectacle
From a visual standpoint, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a feast for the eyes. Burton's signature gothic aesthetic shines through in every frame, transporting audiences back into his uniquely bizarre world. The practical effects and vivid set designs create a mesmerizing atmosphere that harkens back to the original film while introducing new visual elements that feel fresh.
The Afterlife is depicted with a quirky bureaucratic flair that is both amusing and imaginative. Scenes featuring Betelgeuse's shrunken-headed “bio-exorcist” employees are visually striking and humorously absurd, embodying the silly but dark spirit that fans of the franchise adore. While some visual effects at times felt a bit overwhelming, the overall artistic direction kept both my daughter and me glued to the screen.
A Whimsical Yet Flawed Script
However, I cannot overlook the script's occasional shortcomings. Though it offers glimpses of creative genius, at times it feels like it tries too hard to capture the magic of the original, leading to a few awkward moments and plot points that fell flat. The exposition can sometimes wander, and certain subplots feel underexplored or lacking cohesion. While the comic chaos can be delightful, a more tightly woven narrative would have elevated the film from good to great.
Despite these reservations, certain scenes possess a whimsical charm reminiscent of the first film. For instance, the wedding sequence, complete with a flashy musical number that channels Betelgeuse's outrageous personality, is a standout moment that encapsulates the quirkiness we’ve come to expect from this franchise.
Soundtrack: Familiar Notes with a Touch of the New
Danny Elfman's return to score the film adds to its nostalgic feel, intertwining familiar themes and motifs with new melodies that enhance the viewing experience. The inclusion of iconic songs, like "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)," serves as both a tribute to the original and a reminder of the whimsical spirit that defines the Beetlejuice franchise. However, some musical choices felt mismatched to the scenes they accompanied, leading to moments that detracted from the intended emotional weight.
Final Thoughts: An Enjoyable Experience with Room for Improvement
In conclusion, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a good movie that deftly intertwines the magic of nostalgia with contemporary storytelling. Although it has its puzzling moments and occasional flaws, it provides the entertainment value and quirky charm that fans of the original will appreciate. Watching it with my daughter made it a special experience, and I’m grateful that she found joy in this introduction to the Beetlejuice universe.
Ultimately, this film stands as a testament to the enduring nature of a classic that continues to resonate with audiences, albeit with varying degrees of success. While it may not have eclipsed the original in every aspect, it remains a solid sequel that showcases the remarkable journey of beloved characters and invites a new generation into a world of the strange and whimsical. In a cinematic landscape often plagued by reboots or lackluster sequels, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice reminds us that sometimes the ghosts of the past can create delightful, if imperfect, new adventures.
