Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) Review

 

After a family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Beetlejuice's past catches up with him, while Lydia, still haunted by him, finds her life turned upside down when her daughter becomes entwined in the afterlife.

Tim Burton once again proves that the afterlife is anything but dull with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a visually stunning and darkly hilarious sequel that feels like a natural continuation of the 1988 classic. From its gothic aesthetic to its offbeat humor, this long-awaited follow-up recaptures the spirit (literally) of the original while introducing some clever twists along the way.

With some stop-motion and practical make/-up Burton's signature visual flair is on full display, blending macabre yet playful production design with Danny Elfman's whimsical score to create an afterlife that's both nostalgic and fresh. The film doesn't just revisit old haunts-it expands them, with nods to the bizarre netherworld bureaucracy and Sand-worms, also a few familiar specters making subtle, well-placed appearances. Danny DeVito and Willem Dafoe cameo.

Interestingly, Beetlejuice tells his origin story in Italian during a flashback sequence. The scene pays homage to the films of Italian filmmakers Mario Bava and Federico Fellini. Perfectly cast, Monica Bellucci is memorable as Dolores, giving an alluring, chilling performance.

Michael Keaton returns as the ghost with the most, slipping effortlessly back into the chaotic, crude, and endlessly entertaining role of Beetlejuice. Winona Ryder's Lydia Deetz remains the dark, likeable soul of the film, now joined by Jenna Ortega as her equally sharp-witted daughter, Astrid. Ortega proves to be a perfect addition, blending seamlessly into Burton's world with her deadpan delivery and natural chemistry with the returning cast. Catherine O'Hara is also back as Delia, just as wonderfully eccentric as ever.

While Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis's Barbara and Adam Maitland do not return, their absence is handled respectfully, and the film makes room for new supernatural shenanigans without losing sight of what made the original work. The script cleverly weaves in new elements (it's more dynamic that its predecessor) while maintaining the same snappy dialogue and off-kilter humor that made Beetlejuice a cult classic.

For those who appreciate the original film's mix of eerie charm and comedy, this deeper, grander scale sequel is an absolute treat. And for anyone who dismisses it? Well, perhaps they haven't revisited the first film in a while.