The fall film season kicks off with a bang as Beetlejuice Beetlejuice finally arrives in theaters, following its grand premiere at the Venice Film Festival. This sequel stays true to the 1988 Tim Burton original, bringing back the quirky charm and spooky fun that fans have loved for decades. While not everything worked perfectly back then, and there are a few rough patches this time around, the film still delivers in a big way where it counts.
The ending sequence of Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice’ bursts into the movie like a drunken Goth melodrama. It is thoroughly confusing, but it may also tie back to one unassuming line in the first movie. https://t.co/ef7bvgnipP
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At the heart of the film is the return of Michael Keaton in his most iconic role as Betelgeuse, the foul-mouthed, mischievous demon who revels in being utterly grotesque. Keaton’s performance as Beetlejuice is still a comedic masterpiece, reminding everyone just how much the Academy overlooks the brilliance of comic acting. Even after all these years, Keaton owns the role, and his scenes are filled with the same chaotic energy that made the original so beloved.
Winona Ryder also returns as Lydia Deetz, the once-goth teenager who now hosts a reality show about haunted houses and their exorcism. Ryder is fantastic, slipping effortlessly back into the character, but this time with added maturity. Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, played by Jenna Ortega, shines as the skeptical teen who doesn’t quite understand her mom’s obsession with the paranormal. Their mother-daughter relationship is filled with humor and warmth, making for some of the film’s most touching moments.
Catherine O’Hara also reprises her role as Delia, Lydia’s eccentric stepmother, adding another layer of nostalgia. The plot, crafted by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, centers on Beetlejuice’s lingering resentment toward Lydia for leaving him at the altar 30 years ago. To exact his revenge, he hatches a plan to marry a human, allowing him to torment the living once more.
As expected, the true magic of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice lies in its playful interactions, clever visual gags, and offbeat humor. The Deetz family returns to their haunted house in Winter River, Connecticut, to mourn a family loss, setting the stage for a wild ride. The sequel even delves deeper into emotion than the original, adding surprising heart to the wacky narrative.
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One of the film’s standout moments comes when Beetlejuice is summoned back from the afterlife, complete with his usual mischief. He’s now dealing with his ex-wife, Delores, played hilariously by Monica Bellucci, who literally staples her body parts back together while the Bee Gees’ Tragedy plays in the background. The film’s visual humor is endless, with Tim Burton once again showing off his signature dark, eccentric style. And longtime collaborator Danny Elfman returns with a bouncy score that perfectly complements the madness unfolding on screen.
Adding to the chaos is Willem Dafoe, who appears as a ghost detective, running wild with his character in ways only Dafoe can. The film’s technical elements, including the unique camera work by Haris Zambarloukos and the zany costumes designed by Colleen Atwood, are top-notch. And in classic Burton fashion, practical effects outshine digital, giving the film a handmade, personal feel.
However, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice isn’t without its faults. The film suffers from a few too many subplots, including Lydia’s sleazy boyfriend (Justin Theroux) and Astrid’s romantic interest (Arthur Conti), both of which could have been trimmed. Most disappointing is the fact that Keaton’s Beetlejuice only appears for 17 minutes, but those minutes are pure gold.
In the end, it’s all about letting Beetlejuice be his outrageous, chaotic self. And that, he does. As the Juice says, “The Juice is loose.” Be ready for it.
Key Points:
i. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a playful and chaotic sequel that remains faithful to the original film’s spirit, with Tim Burton’s signature style.
ii. Michael Keaton’s return as Beetlejuice is as funny and outrageous as ever, though he’s only on screen for 17 minutes.
iii. Winona Ryder shines as Lydia Deetz, now a mother, with Jenna Ortega playing her daughter Astrid in a heartfelt mother-daughter dynamic.
iv. The film features a mix of practical effects, quirky humor, and visual gags, with Willem Dafoe and Monica Bellucci adding to the fun.
v. While there are a few overstuffed subplots, the film delivers enough laughs and nostalgia to satisfy fans of the original.
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News