By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
It has been 36 years since Tim Burton first brought “Beetlejuice” to audiences, but the sequel is well worth the wait. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” not only reminds audiences what made them fall in love with the original, but also expands on this eccentric world to bring something new to the table and enchant a new generation. With three original starring cast members reprising their roles including Michael Keaton in the title role alongside the rising star that is Jenna Ortega, this film will satisfy the old fans as well as new.
Much time has passed, but life has been good for Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), who has turned her gift of being able to see and communicate with the dead into a prosperous venture as a psychic medium, propelling her to fame. Her stepmother Delia (Catherine O’hara) has also prospered, turning her art into a money-making machine. When tragedy strikes, the odd family reunites at the iconic house where it all started.
When Lydia’s daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega) makes some poor decisions and finds herself trapped in the Afterlife, Lydia turns to the one undead resident she never thought she would, Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton). Still coveting a potential marriage to Lydia, the ghost with the most agrees to help her find and rescue her daughter, in exchange for her wedding vows of course. There’s a slight issue, Beetlejuice’s ex, Delores (Monica Bellucci), has escaped her captivity. Hunted by the soul sucking temptress whose current state of death he was responsible for; Beetlejuice has his hands full as he tries to stay one step ahead of her and the dreaded sand worms while trying to finally make Lydia his wife.
Legendary director Tim Burton brings his trademark imagination to full bear, crafting a worthy sequel to his classic. It is exceedingly difficult to recapture the magic of the tenth highest grossing film of 1988, but Burton accomplishes exactly that without resorting to an overuse of modern technology for the visual effects. In fact, he sticks to the old technology he used for the original as much as possible, enhancing that nostalgic effect and bringing viewers that same look and feel of this world. Coupled with some superior cinematography that features an assortment of continuous shots and angles that accentuate the weird vibe, the visuals are truly captivating. Even the campy makeup that earned the original an Oscar is back in full force and will likely be nominated once again. Danny Elfman returns with that wonderfully dark, fantastical score everyone remembers, and Tim Burton mixes that with an eclectic soundtrack that is beautifully paired with the accompanying scenes. This is one of the biggest strengths of the film.
Burton does make some questionable decisions, not necessarily wrong decisions, but the execution could have been better. It was correct to not have Jeffrey Jones reprise his role as Charles from the original due to him pleading guilty to sex offender charges in 2003, but the way his character was used in this sequel was unnecessary and did nothing to further the story. Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin (Alec has been dealing with recent legal trouble of his own) also do not return, which is fine, but having one line excuse their absence is a bit of a copout. These are nitpicky items, however, that don’t undermine the overall production. Burton even incorporates a meaningful mother-daughter relationship storyline that mirrors the father-son relationship he depicted in “Big Fish,” arguably his finest film.
This wouldn’t be a “Beetlejuice” sequel without the talents of Michael Keaton in that titular role. Donning that same zebra striped suit with wacky green hair, Keaton seamlessly returns to form as if they filmed both movies back-to-back. He brings a contagious level of energy along with that sharp, quick-witted tongue that has viewers laughing repeatedly throughout the movie. He retains that same political incorrectness that shows his character is incapable of evolving.
Winona Ryder brings back those charming, gothic infused eccentricities that once again draw audiences into her unorthodox perspective. This time around, she’s paired with Jenna Ortega, who plays her skeptically rebellious daughter. Ortega is perfectly suited for this role, supplying it with those Wednesday Addams vibes that have skyrocketed her fame. Catherine O’Hara is the other returning star from the original, and her brand of ego driven, artistic minded humor is on point.
Rounding out this dream cast is Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci, and Justin Theroux in supporting roles with the wonderful Danny DeVito in a funny cameo. There’s no shortage of talent and they each bring something different that contributes to the storyline.
This is a sequel that accomplishes what many sequels cannot, live up to their predecessor. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is entertainingly spooky with imaginative visuals, hauntingly funny with Michael Keaton retaining that class clown type of energy, and richly complex with a story that takes risks and expands this crazy world. This will finally dethrone “Deadpool & Wolverine” from the top box office spot, at least for a while. Don’t miss it on the big screen, it’s quality fun for the whole family.
This movie earns:
