Movie Review: ‘Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice’ | Moviephone
Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice in Warner Bros. Pictures’ comedy, ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’, released by Warner Bros. Photo credit: Parisa Taghizadeh. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved
‘Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice’, the long-awaited sequel to 1988’s ‘Beetlejuice’, again directed by Tim Burton, opens in theaters on September 6.
The movie reunites Michael Keaton (‘Batman’), Winona Ryder (‘Stranger Things’) and Catherine O’Hara (‘Shit’s Creek’) as their original characters and welcomes new cast members Justin Theroux (‘The Leftovers’), Monica Bellucci told (‘Spectre’), Willem Dafoe (‘Whole Things’), and Jenna Ortega (‘Wednesday’), as well as Arthur Conti (‘House of the Dragon’) making his feature film debut.
Related Article: Justin Theroux and Monica Bellucci Talk ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’
Initial thoughts
Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice in the Warner Bros. Pictures comedy, ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’, released by Warner Bros. Photo credit: Parisa Taghizadeh. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved
Tim Burton directed a screenplay written by Alfred Gough and Miles Miller, and the trio brought us a true love letter not only to the original film, but also to its fans. Scene by scene, frame by frame, it’s like watching the inner workings of Burton’s imagination come to life. The attention to detail in every moment was like watching a perfect Burton symphony play on screen and is undoubtedly why his work has almost become its own magic. While some of the scenes may feel strange or misplaced, I found them to be completely unexpected and amusing in true Burton nature.
Story and direction
Director Tim Burton on the set of the Warner Bros. Pictures comedy ‘Beetlejuice’, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo credit: Parisa Taghizadeh. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved
While the initial trailer left most fans unsure, the second one gave us a closer look at what we can expect from the film. If you haven’t seen either, the film follows three generations of the Dietz family as they return to Winter River after an unexpected tragedy and loss. Still haunted by Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), Lydia’s (Winona Ryder) life is turned upside down by her rebellious daughter Astrid (Zena Ortega), who discovers the model of the city in the attic and soon the portal to the afterlife is reopened. Not only does our favorite mischievous demon return, but trouble starts brewing on both fronts for multiple ditz daughters.
We find Lydia still questioning whether the living and the dead can coexist with a new partner in Tow Rory (Justin Theroux) who makes some seriously questionable choices while trying to convince Lydia that he’s just not the best choice as her manager. But her potential husband. Beetlejuice is no longer searching the advertising department for new work but has not given up on Lydia, “the love of his life” and still dreams of being her husband. But thanks to a bit of what one can only call an original story moment, we’re introduced to a serious supernatural force not to be reckoned with, Delores (Monica Bellucci), who knows the full meaning of the phrase “hell.” There is no fury like insulting a woman.”
Director Tim Burton on the set of the Warner Bros. Pictures comedy ‘Beetlejuice’, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo credit: Parisa Taghizadeh. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved
Masterfully directed by Burton, the sequel brings to life 35 years of ease and excitement that only a true Beetlejuice lover can bring to life. His love for both new and old characters shines through every performance and shows that he asked fans the same question, what will two of the most iconic characters in film life be like 35 years later? Burton didn’t just revisit these characters, he gave them more depth, love and passion with great storytelling that allowed the spirit of the original to shine through, something I believe only he could do in a sequel of this caliber with the gravitas. .
If you’re looking for a ‘Beetlejuice’ experience, the film delivers on every aspect, essentially an epic ride full of outlandish characters and a story that’s as fun as knowing the tongue-in-cheek moments. Room for great stories full of heart. There is no other film or character that breathes life like ‘Beetlejuice’. From the afterlife waiting room to the dining room table, the original gave us something to remember forever and its sequel hits the same marks.
the cast
(L to R) Catherine O’Hara as Delia, Jenna Ortega as Astrid, Winona Ryder as Lydia and Justin Theroux as Rory in the Warner Bros. Pictures comedy, ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’, Warner Bros. Pictures. Photo credit: Parisa Taghizadeh. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved
There certainly isn’t a weak link in the entire film’s cast, unless you count the shark bite victim in the waiting room, but we’ll let you decide for yourself. Michael Keaton’s performance gave the audience a better version of Beetlejuice, if that’s possible, moments that will make you cry and see a new side of the character that I found somewhat unexpected and absolutely heartwarming.
Keaton delivers in every way and has given fans the wow factor that made us all fall in love with Beetlejuice 35 years ago. Delia (Katherine O’Hara) and Lydia’s relationship has completely changed, now that Lydia is a guardian herself, giving fans of the original more depth to two already complex women who we never thought we’d see working together.
(L to R) Jenna Ortega as Astrid and Winona Ryder as Lydia in the Warner Bros. Pictures comedy, ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo credit: Parisa Taghizadeh. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved
The relationship between Lydia and her daughter Astrid is like watching history repeat itself as Jenna Ortega brings the extreme satire of the world falling in love from her Wednesday roll. This allows Ryder to show the audience a new understanding of who Lydia has become and what parenting should be like when you can talk to ghosts. The afterlife characters are probably the most fun to watch, especially Bob and Jeff Shrinker who fans will love .
Wolf Jackson’s Willem Dafoe’s character, a cop who was an actor when he was alive who probably did some very B-list action movies, might get a little confused if you tell him he’s not yet the star of the show. Bellucci’s Delores is completely unforgettable as the most glamorous woman on a mission to do whatever it takes to win her man back, and her performance is to be commended as her character becomes fully animated.
The stand out performance for me was Justin Theroux as Rory. Ignoring every possible red flag, this was Rory’s world and everyone else was living in it. He may not have been the most complicated man, but he took himself very seriously. Theroux’s ability to take a character outside the wheelhouse of what fans have come to expect was a thrilling experience to watch. He gave a character that most of us would probably hate this undeniable spirit that was a welcome addition to a cast of beloved characters. ,
final thought
Directors Tim Burton and Michael Keaton on the set of the Warner Bros. Pictures comedy ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’. Photo credit: Parisa Taghizadeh. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved
If what you loved about the original was its weirdness and campy, without feeling silly, watch the wild world of the afterlife and its crazy characters bleed into everyday life. Or even its little gore in a heartier story than ‘Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice’ will endear you just as much as the original. With stand out performances that will fill you with tears of laughter and unexpected moments filled with choices you never expect, the movie will take you on a crazy ride full of fun though. It will also give you some very Burton moments, checking all the boxes that make Tim Burton spectacular.
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ is rated 9.5 out of 10 stars.
“Most ghosts are back.”
Showtimes and tickets
After a family tragedy, three generations of the Dietz family return to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s life is turned upside down when… read the plot
What is the plot of ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’?
36 years after the events of ‘Beetlejuice’, the Dietz family returns to Winter River following the unexpected death of Charles Dietz. Lydia’s (Winona Ryder) life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid (Zena Ortega), discovers a mysterious model of the city in the attic and the portal to the afterlife accidentally opens, releasing Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton).
Who is in the cast of ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’?
- Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse
- Winona Ryder as Lydia Dietz
- Catherine O’Hara as Delia Dietz
- Jenna Ortega as Astrid Dietz
- Justin Theroux as Rory
- Monica Bellucci as Delores
- Willem Dafoe as Wolf Jackson
(L to R) Winona Ryder as Lydia and Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice in Warner Bros. Pictures’ comedy, ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved
