Beetlejuice Beetlejuice review: a rambunctious sequel with some delicious moments

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice review: a rambunctious sequel with some delicious moments

★★★☆☆

As a movie enthusiast with a soft spot for quirky comedies and Tim Burton’s peculiar universe, I must say that “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” left me somewhat divided. On one hand, it’s a delightful return to the world of the original film, with Michael Keaton once again embodying the chaotic energy of Beetlejuice so perfectly. His quips and antics are as entertaining as ever, and watching him mime Richard Marx’s “Right Here Waiting” is a moment I won’t forget anytime soon.


Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is in cinemas from Friday 6 September. Add it to your watchlist.

“Delores, the scorned demon wife played by Monica Bellucci, exclaims, ‘Where can I find Beetlejuice?’ in the delightful follow-up to Tim Burton’s 1988 fantasy-comedy.”

In essence, Michael Keaton reprises his role as “The Juice,” striving once more to persuade Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), even beyond the afterlife, to marry him and thus transition to the mortal realm. The film effectively evokes the eerie atmosphere of the original, with Keaton donning the iconic black-and-white striped suit throughout.

As a movie enthusiast, I recently delved into the eerie world of “Ghost House,” a paranormal show that’s seen through the eyes of Lydia, its new host. However, my skeptical teenage daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega) remains unconvinced about the existence of the supernatural. Yet, as we find ourselves back in Winter River for the funeral of my father Charles, the town’s tranquil atmosphere seems to shatter under the weight of Beetlejuice sightings that are sending chills down my spine. My mother Delia (Catherine O’Hara) is devastated by this sudden loss, which has left us all grappling with grief in this sleepy town.

Accompanied by her boyfriend-manager, Lydia, and with a hint of romantic thoughts in her mind, Astrid encounters Jeremy, who may appear ordinary at first glance but hides an uncommon side to him.

As a movie enthusiast, I must admit that it’s only when Beetlejuice makes his grand entrance that the film really springs to life – yes, you still need to say his name three times to bring him out. With an arsenal of witty remarks at his disposal, Michael Keaton embraces this comeback, especially during the scene where he humorously lip-syncs Richard Marx’s classic ballad, “Right Here Waiting.”

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice review: a rambunctious sequel with some delicious moments

Kicking off this year’s Venice Film Festival is the movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice“, which, despite its lively atmosphere, comes across as slightly disjointed and insubstantial. Willem Dafoe portrays Wolf Jackson, a deceased thespian (with half his brain visible on his skull), famed for his tough cop roles. However, Wolf’s role serves as exposition, yet it seems overly contrived, failing to fully utilize Dafoe’s exceptional acting skills.

However, there are still some delicious moments – including a scene where a group of social media influencers get sucked into their phones. The highlight, perhaps, has to be Delores’s entrance.

In a new twist, Beetlejuice’s former spouse seeks vengeance against him. However, before she can enact her plan, she must gather all the pieces of her scattered body and join them together. As the melodious strains of the Bee Gees’ “Tragedy” fill the air, she uses staples to piece herself back together. This vengeful demon should not be underestimated; she is a soul-sucker and poses a significant threat.

During Halloween, Alfred Gough and Miles Millar’s script is brimming with New Age terminology, which harmonizes well as every character appears to be constantly engaged in therapy sessions. The movie is visually striking, with Mark Scruton’s set designs standing out particularly. There are also stop-motion animated sequences, one of which explains how Charles met his demise on a global journey, and even a monochrome film-within-a-film with subtitles.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice review: a rambunctious sequel with some delicious moments

Similar to the original version, the afterlife is inhabited by some rather peculiar characters – from men sporting shrunken heads to a surfer whose board was torn apart by a shark (he exclaims “dude!” in dismay). Giant Sandworms, although not as fearsome as those in Dune, reign supreme. There are also some unexpected scenes, such as a groovy Soul Train with dancers dressed in 1970s attire leading people towards what is known as The Great Beyond.

Speaking of tales that revolve around family dynamics, the film “Beetlejuice” undoubtedly offers a visually appealing spectacle, though it might not necessarily rank among Tim Burton’s most exceptional works.

In the Netflix series Wednesday, directed by Burton, the duo of Ryder and Ortega make a strong on-screen match. This central relationship is actually what propels the story forward. While there could have been a greater emphasis on Beetlejuice in the script, Tim Burton’s larger-than-life portrayal by Keaton more than compensates for it.

If nothing else, it’ll give you some good ideas for Halloween costumes this October.

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2024-08-29 14:34