Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

September 16, 2024

YouTube Audio Article

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: A Spirited Return or Overstuffed Sequel?

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to watch Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the long-anticipated sequel to Tim Burton's 1988 dark fantasy classic. With high expectations stemming from the original's cult status, I found the film to be a mix of creative brilliance and chaotic narrative overload. Tim Burton's distinctive gothic style, combined with the return of Michael Keaton as the irreverent ghost, kept me engaged. However, the film's overly ambitious plot and scattered focus kept it from becoming an instant classic like its predecessor.

The Return of Iconic Characters and Fresh Faces

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice takes place decades after the original film's events, with Winona Ryder reprising her role as Lydia Deetz. Lydia's character, now an adult dealing with grief after the death of her husband, brings a layer of emotional depth that complements the film's whimsical yet macabre tone. Ryder seamlessly steps back into the shoes of the goth girl we once knew, though this time with a matured, more subdued performance. Her chemistry with Michael Keaton remains a cornerstone of the film, blending melancholy and absurdity as Lydia grapples with the chaos that Betelgeuse brings into her life.

The film introduces a new generation of Deetzes, notably Lydia's daughter, Astrid, played by Wednesday star Jenna Ortega. Astrid's rebellious teen persona mirrors Lydia's original character in some ways, adding a fresh dynamic to the Deetz family saga. Her interactions with Betelgeuse are amusing and showcase Ortega's ability to match the film's eccentric energy, making her a standout addition to the cast.

In addition to the returning cast, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice adds new characters like Willem Dafoe's eerie lawman of the underworld and Monica Bellucci as Betelgeuse's ghoulish ex-wife. While these performances are quirky and fun, the sheer number of plotlines often makes it feel like the movie juggles too many elements simultaneously.

Michael Keaton's Electric Return

The highlight of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is undoubtedly Michael Keaton, who once again embodies the manic energy of Betelgeuse with unbridled enthusiasm. Keaton proves that no one else could fill the ghost's eccentric shoes, from his off-the-wall one-liners to his grotesque charm. His performance is a reminder of why this character became such an icon in the first place. However, in this sequel, Betelgeuse is given a more central role, which, while delightful at times, occasionally tips the balance. In the original film, Betelgeuse worked as a chaotic force in the background, appearing only when needed. In contrast, the sequel leans heavily on his presence, which can sometimes feel overdone.

Keaton's chemistry with Ryder remains electric, but as the film explores his character more deeply, some of the magic from his unpredictable appearances in the original seems diluted. Nonetheless, Keaton's return to the role is one of the film's most vital points, as his humor and energy carry much of the movie's charm.

Plot: A Bit Overstuffed
If there is one critique, it is the film's overly complex narrative. The original Beetlejuice was beloved for its simplicity; it was a newly deceased couple trying to reclaim their home from the living, with Betelgeuse wreaking havoc along the way. In contrast, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice juggles multiple storylines: Lydia's relationship with her daughter Astrid, her estrangement from her late husband, Betelgeuse's attempts to avoid his ex-wife and new supernatural adventures in the underworld.

While these plotlines are intriguing, they create a sense of narrative clutter. Burton's world-building remains as imaginative as ever, with visually arresting set pieces and practical effects that pay homage to the original film's handcrafted aesthetic. However, the overabundance of characters and subplots sometimes makes the movie feel like it's biting off more than it can chew.

Visual Style and Dark Humor

Visually, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice stands out as a delightful throwback to the handmade, surreal style that defined Burton's early career. Burton leans heavily into practical effects and puppetry, which provide a refreshing contrast to the CGI-heavy films that dominate today's box office. The afterlife sequences, in particular, are a testament to Burton's commitment to crafting a unique, twisted world where anything seems possible. Much like the original, the film's humor balances between dark, absurd, and downright bizarre, which fans of Burton's work will appreciate.

Composer Danny Elfman, a frequent Burton collaborator, returns to score the film, adding his signature haunting yet whimsical sound to the narrative. Elfman's score elevates the emotional and atmospheric beats of the movie, perfectly complementing the film's blend of horror and humor.

The Legacy of Beetlejuice
One of the challenges facing Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is living up to the legacy of the original. The 1988 film became a beloved cultural touchstone, not just for its offbeat humor and gothic style but for its fresh take on life, death, and the supernatural. The sequel acknowledges this legacy with numerous callbacks and Easter eggs for fans of the original. However, in trying to honor and surpass its predecessor simultaneously, the film occasionally falters under the weight of its ambitions.

Nostalgia plays a significant role in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, with many scenes designed to evoke memories of the original. This includes everything from visual references to specific gags, such as reimagining the famous dinner party possession scene. While these moments are fun, they sometimes verge on feeling forced, a sentiment echoed by some critics who noted that the film occasionally leans too heavily on its predecessor rather than forging its own identity.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a fun, if flawed, sequel that delivers plenty of laughs and visual spectacle. While the film's overstuffed plot and occasionally uneven pacing may detract from the overall experience, its strengths, particularly Michael Keaton's performance and Tim Burton's inimitable style, make it worth watching. Fans of the original will find plenty to enjoy in this nostalgic romp, even if it doesn't quite recapture the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of 1988. If you're a fan of dark comedy and supernatural antics or miss seeing Keaton's frenetic Betelgeuse on screen, this sequel is worth your time.

As someone who grew up loving the original and watched this sequel with great anticipation, I left the theater entertained, if a bit overwhelmed. The movie succeeds in bringing back the mischievous spirit of the original, but its sprawling narrative could have benefited from a more focused approach. Still, if you're looking for a fun trip back to the land of the dead filled with practical effects, dark humor, and a generous dose of chaos, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice won't disappoint.