As a lifelong fan of Tim Burton’s quirky, dark, and enchanting universe, I eagerly anticipated the release of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” Having grown up with the original film, I’ve always cherished its unique blend of teen angst, supernatural elements, and a dash of Burton’s signature humor. So, when the sequel was announced, I knew it would be a challenging task to recapture that initial magic while catering to modern sensibilities.
The long-awaited follow-up to Tim Burton’s 1988 cult film, “Beetlejuice,” poses an intriguing question: can it replicate the distinctly offbeat enchantment of its predecessor? Instead of a straightforward affirmative or negative response, the sequel offers a blend of nostalgic charm and mature themes that make death appear less appealing.
In the continuation of the movie “Beetlejuice,” we find ourselves 36 years later from the original storyline. Lydia Deetz (played by Winona Ryder), who once had psychic abilities to see the dead, has now turned her gift into a successful reality TV career. However, this fame has taken its toll on her marriage and relationship with her daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega). The Deetz family, along with Lydia’s personal tormentor, seems to be haunting them closely, leading to numerous unfortunate incidents culminating in a funeral that ultimately brings Lydia, Astrid, and Delia Deetz (portrayed by Catherine O’Hara) together once more.
Upon returning to their summer residence in Winter River for funeral rites, the Deetz family unwittingly reawaken the spectral powers haunting the place. In this situation, Astrid is mysteriously pulled into the spirit world. As a result, Lydia is compelled to break her longstanding avoidance of Betelgeuse, the self-proclaimed “Ghost with the Most.” However, Betelgeuse has his own troubles, such as an ex-wife (Monica Bellucci) who’s after his essence and a crafty ghost detective (Willem Dafoe) dogging his steps.
The classic movie “Beetlejuice” has managed to stand the test of time due to its unique nature. Its themes – teen turmoil, macabre portrayal of the afterlife, romance, and a wildly eccentric villain – were a blend only Tim Burton could achieve. However, times have moved on, as has Burton himself. This is the challenge facing “Beetlejuice 2”: it reflects Burton rediscovering an essential element in his filmmaking, but that youthful creativity is now burdened by the struggles and concerns of a more mature, seasoned individual.
As a gamer, I’d say that, in terms of filmmaking, Beetlejuice 2 feels like Tim Burton getting back to his roots and showcasing fresh talents he’s honed over the years. It’s no secret that both Burton and Michael Keaton are still at the top of their game – Keaton’s portrayal of Betelgeuse is the standout element in this sequel, even though some might forget (or overlook) that his screen time was limited in the original. The same can be said about Burton’s unique take on the afterlife and its mythology – it’s as captivating as ever!
In creating the narrative of Astrid, Lydia, and Deila Deetz, screenwriters Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, and Seth Grahame-Smith encounter challenges. The storytelling for Beetlejuice becomes overburdened and excessive as it attempts to develop arcs for all three generations of Deetz women. It’s evident that Tim Burton has a stronger affinity for Delia and the themes of aging, loss, and maintaining artistic relevance in a shifting world. Winona Ryder’s portrayal of Lydia in her older form is deeply rooted in the angst and emotional turbulence of an ex-Gen X Goth who has transitioned into modern parenthood; however, Jenna Ortega’s characterization of Astrid seems more like a plot device than a well-rounded character, offering less depth compared to Ryder’s quirky and dynamic Lydia from the original. This might be a surprising misstep given that Ortega and Burton have crafted one of the most Burtonesque characters in recent years with their Netflix series Wednesday (an Addams Family spinoff). Fans hoping for more of Ortega’s eccentric or vibrant personality may find her character to be rather subdued.
In summary, “Beetlejuice 2” is criticized for being too extravagant and heavy-handed, a critique that also applies to its expanded roster of characters. Willem Dafoe’s character, Wolf Jackson, is a delightful exception, as Dafoe has a knack for stealing the spotlight; however, the introduction of Justin Theroux’s Rory and Monica Bellucci’s Delores seems forced to generate unnecessary romantic tension within the storyline. The handling of Charles Deetz’s (portrayed by Jeffrey Jones) demise may divide audiences, but considering the narrative framework, it was an inevitable aspect to address.
It’s intriguing to discover how the new Beetlejuice movie will resonate with audiences who haven’t previously encountered or enjoyed the original. Will it be a thrilling, offbeat journey that rekindles memories of the first film? For fans eagerly awaiting the sequel for decades, there remains the same wacky charm in Beetlejuice 2 – however, as we age, the romantic appeal of death may fade, and it becomes harder to overlook the chaos it leaves behind for the living. Director Burton struggles to reconcile these two contrasting ideas, but thanks to Keaton’s commendable performance and that of the rest of the cast, they manage to elicit laughter from us about death – albeit a little subtly.
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is now playing in theaters.
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2024-09-06 19:12