Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice was a sequel worth waiting for, with updated visuals and still campy like the 80s.
Three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River after an unexpected family tragedy. Still haunted by Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), Lydia’s (Winona Ryder) life soon gets turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter (Jenna Ortega) discovers a mysterious portal to the afterlife. When someone says Beetlejuice’s name three times, the mischievous demon gleefully returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, especially Michael Keaton’s performance as Beetlejuice. His delivery, animated gestures, and sinister grin perfectly captured the essence of the character. It was a blast seeing him reprise the role with such playful idiocy. Winona Ryder’s portrayal of the adult Lydia exceeded my expectations, maintaining her quirky and sullen nature while shedding her teenage angst. I only wished we could have seen more of her in the movie. Catherine O’Hara’s extravagant and overdramatic acting fits well within Tim Burton’s writing, effectively portraying the character’s selfishness in a dazzling comedic way.
Jenna Ortega deserves a shout-out for her performance as the new girl. I liked how she was integrated into the movie, especially the scenes where she displayed strong emotions, showcasing her talent from her previous work. At the same time, she maintained the Wednesday vibes that we loved from her character on Netflix. The great acting from all the characters, both new and old, made them all feel like they belonged in the same universe, and this was one of the best parts of revisiting the haunted town from long ago.
The movie has the charm that Burton is known for, with spooky visuals and haunting elements from the netherworld mixed with cartoon splendor. The eccentric makeup and costumes, flashing lights, and smokey lounges create a sense of doom. The living world also feels dismal with its ashen direction. The music by Danny Elfman adds haunting tones and blends whimsy with woe, creating a nightmare realm with bells and string instruments. Classic songs are used effectively to enhance the movie’s themes and humor, especially the song at the chapel.
The movie was a blast! As it progressed, the humor became more and more hilarious with some very dark jokes, spicy language, and that signature silliness only the Juice could pull off. The story had some unexpected twists that kept things fresh, fun, and surprisingly engaging. What’s more, the movie skillfully combined nostalgia with modern elements, creating a perfect balance that brought in a wider audience. The result was a film that felt original and not just another rehash of an old classic. Overall, it was an enjoyable time at the theater, with impressive effects that made the experience stand out.
Overall, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice is a movie that is packed with fun, thanks to Burton’s direction of visuals, sound design, and humor. Keaton’s return is much welcomed and, alongside the other cast, brings us back to the messy, silly, and dark world that merges life and the afterlife. I laughed a lot and appreciated the balance of past and present, making it a modern sequel that is enjoyable. However, the story feels a bit more modern, with too many tales crammed into a small amount of time. This doesn’t allow any of the elements to fully develop into the spooktacular spectacle it could have been. The darker elements and more morbid persona might result in a little less enjoyment compared to the first film. Still, it’s an enjoyable film that you can catch in the theater if you get a chance.
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice is now playing in theaters.
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