Review by Jon Donnis
"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," is the long awaited sequel to Tim Burton's 1988 cult classic, bringing back the darkly whimsical world of the afterlife with a vibrant energy that is both nostalgic and refreshingly inventive. With Michael Keaton reprising his role as the mischievous Betelgeuse, alongside Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara, it delivers a delightful blend of comedy, horror, and fantasy, all wrapped up in Burton's signature style. The film balances both modern elements and a deep connection to the quirky, gothic tone of its predecessor.
Keaton's Betelgeuse remains a riotous and unpredictable presence, embodying the same manic energy that made him an icon. Ryder, as the older, more world-weary Lydia, gives a layered performance, managing to bring both heartfelt emotion and deadpan wit. Catherine O'Hara is a joy to watch as the hilariously unhinged Delia, while Jenna Ortega, as Lydia's daughter Astrid, adds a fresh dynamic to the story, bridging the gap between new and old audiences.
The plot picks up decades after the original, focusing on Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), now a host of a supernatural talk show, as she's once again drawn into the bizarre world of ghosts, ghouls, and, of course, Betelgeuse. The narrative, while fun, can feel a bit convoluted at times, with several overlapping storylines, Lydia's family drama, Astrid's discovery of the afterlife, and Betelgeuse's various antics, all jockeying for attention. However, the chaos feels fitting within this eccentric universe, even if it occasionally leaves the audience scrambling to keep up.
Tim Burton's direction is at its most playful here, delivering a visual feast of wacky special effects, superb animatronics, and a steady stream of macabre humour. The film excels in moments of pure spectacle and oddity, with the afterlife train station and the return of the iconic sandworms providing some of the standout set-pieces. The design and atmosphere echo the original film's offbeat charm, with enough grotesque details and imaginative twists to keep viewers engaged throughout.
However, some characters feel underused. Willem Dafoe's ghost detective Wolf Jackson and Monica Bellucci's Delores, Betelgeuse's vengeful ex-wife, are intriguing additions but don't get quite enough screen time to make a lasting impact. The plot's haphazard nature also leaves certain story arcs, like the subplot involving Lydia's boyfriend Rory, feeling somewhat thin, though his comeuppance provides a satisfying comedic payoff.
Tonally, "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" stays true to its roots, mixing ghoulish fun with bursts of surreal humour. It's a film for fans of the original, those who revel in Burton's peculiar world and the mischievous antics of Betelgeuse. While it doesn't quite reach the instant cult status of the first film, it certainly captures enough of the magic to feel like a worthy sequel. For new viewers, its unique blend of comedy and horror might be a bit bewildering, but it's easy to get swept up in the film's giddy, irreverent spirit.
In the end, this is a film designed to entertain and to be enjoyed rather than taken too seriously. Burton, at his most mischievous, delivers a satisfyingly chaotic yet heartfelt tribute to his original creation. "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" may not reinvent the wheel, but it's a gloriously fun ride nonetheless, filled with nostalgia, inventive humour, and a few good scares.
Overall, it's an entertaining return to the weird and wonderful world of the afterlife, scoring a solid 8.5 out of 10. Fans of the first film will undoubtedly find plenty to love, while newcomers are likely to be charmed by its strange and endearing madness.
Out in cinemas NOW!
