Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Comeback Crushes Every Movie Since Spotlight

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Fans of “Beetlejuice” had to endure a 36-year wait for the sequel titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice“, and generally speaking, it was a rewarding delay. The movie also signifies Michael Keaton’s return to top form, as he delved back into his acting prowess after a series of varied film roles since his critically acclaimed performance in the true-life drama “Spotlight“. Interestingly, Keaton’s portrayal in “Spotlight” stands in stark contrast to his role as Betelgeuse in Tim Burton’s iconic series. Nevertheless, these two performances underscore the breadth of his acting capabilities.

In contrast to his roles in “Beetlejuice” and its sequel where he portrays a darkly humorous bio-exorcist with a malicious intent towards Lydia Deetz, Keaton assumes an entirely different character in “Spotlight.” Here, he is earnest, tragic, and unwaveringly serious. In this film, Walter “Robby” Robinson is a dedicated reporter at the Boston Globe spearheading an investigation into the widespread sexual abuse by Catholic priests in Massachusetts during the latter half of the 20th century. Keaton delivers a sensitive performance as a journalist who is deeply invested in his work yet must confront his own journalistic errors.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Is Michael Keaton’s Best Movie Since Spotlight In 2015

The 2 Movies Couldn’t Be More Different, But Keaton’s Performances In Both Are Fantastic

The film “Spotlight” rightfully won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2016 because it masterfully depicted the uncovering of the biggest sexual abuse scandal in the American Catholic Church, a subject that demands sensitivity and thoroughness. Contrarily, the 2024 horror-comedy sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” may not have been Oscar-worthy, but it marks Michael Keaton’s finest performance since 2015. The film skillfully pays homage to Tim Burton’s original 1988 cult classic, with Keaton delivering an exceptional performance as if he hadn’t left the role of Betelgeuse behind.

It’s difficult to believe that Keaton is nearly twice the age he was when he starred in Beetlejuice, given how energetically he embodies his character’s dark humor and rapid-fire physical comedy, as if he were a young actor just starting out in the industry. Every joke delivered as Betelgeuse is executed flawlessly, much like it was in the original film.

As a staunch supporter, I must admit that while Keaton’s diverse dramatic roles throughout his career have been captivating, it seems that the role of Betelgeuse might be the one he is most remembered for. And I can see why. He breathed life into a character that initially appeared enigmatic on the page, transforming him into an unforgettable figure, a unique portrayal that only Keaton could have delivered so perfectly.

Between Spotlight & Beetlejuice, Michael Keaton’s Movie Releases Were A Mixed Bag

He Gave 3 Great Performances, But Took At Least 4 Massive Missteps

To put it another way, Michael Keaton’s film roles from 2015 to 2024 were somewhat unpredictable, with both impressive hits and misses. For instance, he delivered a remarkable performance as the main character in the biopic “Worth,” portraying celebrated lawyer Kenneth Feinberg. He also excelled as Ray Kroc in the 2016 historical drama about the origin of McDonald’s franchises. Additionally, he played one of the most memorable villains in the Spider-Man movie franchise, Vulture, in 2017’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” Furthermore, he had a supporting role in the critically acclaimed political drama “The Trial of the Chicago 7.

Contrarily, Keaton has experienced a few stumbles over the past ten years. These missteps include films such as “The Protégé” and “American Assassin”, which fell short in the action thriller genre. Additionally, his performance in Disney’s live-action remake of “Dumbo” did not meet expectations. Even his upcoming role as Batman in the 2023 DCEU film “The Flash” didn’t quite reach the mark, failing to deliver the ideal homage to Keaton’s earlier portrayals of Batman in Tim Burton’s early ’90s movies.

It seems challenging for Michael Keaton to regain the exceptional performance that earned him an almost Oscar win for the 2014 dark comedy-drama “Birdman” or contributed to “Spotlight” winning Best Picture. Nonetheless, it was delightful to see him reprise his role as Betelgeuse in “Beetlejuice 2”, and another installment along similar lines would be welcome.

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2025-05-11 03:48