Review written by Francine Pamplona and Hayley Matto
It’s showtime! The supernatural chaos that captivated audiences back in 1988 is back with “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” After nearly four decades, the sequel has finally hit theaters. But did Tim Burton manage to revive the magic that enchanted horror and comedy fans for a new audience in 2024?
Hayley here – if you ask me, don’t miss your chance to catch this film on the big screen. Micheal Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara all do a wonderful job of bringing the eccentric yet super iconic characters of Beetlejuice, Lydia Deetz and Delia Deetz back to life. They also provide fresh takes on who each of these characters have become since we last saw them.
Keaton appears to have not aged a day, bringing the pazazz, panic and unapologetic humor that made him a standout in the original “Beetlejuice” film. Alongside these returning favorites, the new cast is pretty star-studded and full of cameos from some greats we have been waiting to see appear in a Burton film; Jenna Ortega, Willem Dafoe and even Danny Devito.
Francine here – while the star power is undeniable, the film’s execution has its quirks. Despite these exciting appearances, some of the new characters, like Ortega’s Astrid, feel underdeveloped.
Lydia Deetz, portrayed once again by Ryder, doesn’t quite embody the same spirit as she did in the first film, which might leave fans of the original a bit disappointed. Ryder’s portrayal of a more mature Lydia doesn’t quite match our memories of the eccentric lone wolf we all remember.
Burton’s decision to move away from the quirky characteristics that made Lydia so unique and relatable in the original film might be a wrong move here, leading some to argue that the essence of what made Lydia special has been somewhat lost in the plot.
The film does stumble in some areas. The pacing feels uneven, with abrupt shifts between the living world and the Neitherworld. This inconsistency can make some scenes feel either rushed or out of place.
Additionally, while the nostalgic callbacks are enjoyable, they sometimes overshadow the film’s attempt to forge a new identity, potentially confusing new viewers.
However, before you retreat to your cozy PJs and decide to wait for the home release, let us give some credit to the special effects team, who brought this cinematic universe back to life. They combined the craft of practical effects we all loved from the original film, with some new-aged movie magic to bring the whimsical world back to us.
Burton cranked up the nostalgia, bringing back two iconic figures from the original film: the Sandworm and the shrunken head, who now has been lovingly named Bob. Trust us when we say, Bob is going to live on in the hearts of the audience for years to come.
Burton was careful and calculated when crafting the world we all remember. The special effects makeup follows closely to what we saw in the first movie, and if anything, he has simply given the audience more of the wonders in the Neitherworld – without selling out to the modern CGI effects and digital editing. For me, Hayley, that was a make-or-break element.
In conclusion, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” offers a fun and chaotic sequel that will entertain fans with its strong performances and Burton’s imaginative visuals – not to mention a pretty fantastic soundtrack, that might just compete with the first film.
Despite its pacing issue and heavy reliance on nostalgia, the film succeeds in delivering a wild ride through the quirky and supernatural world of Beetlejuice. It may not completely capture the magic of the original, but it’s still worth a watch for fans and newcomers alike.
So, if you’re contemplating whether to catch it in theaters, it’s a yes from us. After all, you might find yourself enjoying this spooky encore more than you expected – just don’t forget to say his name three times!