Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – Another Review. By Daniel Rester.

It’s been 36 years since Tim Burton broke out onto the scene with his sophomore film Beetlejuice (1988). The cult classic features one of Michael Keaton’s most memorable turns, and it was a big stepping stone for Winona Ryder’s career as well. Now the three reunite, along with Catherine O’Hara, for a legacy sequel that some have been asking for for years. 

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, written by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, finds Lydia Deetz (Ryder) as the host of a television show called Ghost House. She is dating her television producer Rory (Justin Theroux) and has an estranged daughter named Astrid (Jenna Ortega). The three are called back to Winter River by Lydia’s stepmother, Delia (Catherine O’Hara), after a tragic accident. 

Meanwhile, the loony ghost Betelgeuse (Keaton) still wants to marry Lydia. A big problem stands in his way though: his vengeful ex-wife Delores (Monica Bellucci) is back as a soul-sucking ghost. Lydia also falls for a mysterious kid named Jeremy (Arthur Conti), who throws a wrench into everything as well.  

The plot of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is flimsy and messy as it struggles with focusing on two villains with two separate goals. It also can’t decide if Lydia or Astrid is the main character. The original film also felt chaotic at times, but this sequel feels even more disjointed with its many ideas and situations. Some of the callbacks to the original film feel forced and unnecessary too. 

Despite being jumbled, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice still has a lot of horror comedy charm thanks to a game cast and crew. Burton channels his early days as he directs with visionary touches. He is greatly aided by production designer Mark Scruton, costume designer Colleen Atwood, and an army of makeup artists in bringing this gothic and cartoony world to life. 

Most of the effects in the film look tangible and carefully crafted in an old-school way, with miniature models even coming into play for a few scenes. Burton gives the film a retro Halloween vibe without having to resort to using much CGI for the many ghoulish characters and environments. His oddball, hand-crafted visuals are very welcome in a day and age where most other big-budget films look the same.    

The cast is mostly delightful. Keaton effortlessly steps back into his iconic role, turning on his gravelly voice and wild antics at every turn. Ryder and Ortega have a believable mother-daughter rapport, while Theroux and especially O’Hara provide plenty of laughs as their selfish characters. Bellucci, Willem Dafoe, and Danny Devito are entertaining in small roles, but their characters could have been removed and it probably would have helped with the film’s bloat. 

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a daffy legacy sequel that should please most fans of the original, though it isn’t nearly as great as the 1988 film. The plot is completely cluttered, but Burton’s meticulous craftsmanship and the wonderful cast make it worthwhile. Even after 36 years, the juice is still loose!

Rating: 7/10

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