Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Is The Sequel I Didn’t Need But Loved

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – A Review in Brief

Beetlejuice is a film that probably didn’t need a sequel, but now that we have one, I couldn’t be happier. Tim Burton’s oddity is on full display, and the film feels like the studio wrote him a blank check to do whatever the hell he wanted. The 1hr44min runtime is filled with all the practical effects, claymation, and bizarreness I have so sorely missed from the 90s. 

It’s wonderful to see much of the original cast returning. Winona Ryder still embodies Lydia Deets and her relationship with Deelia (Catherine O’Hara) has evolved, but only slightly. Their interactions are hilarious, over-the-top, and somehow still relatable. Then, of course, there’s Michael Keaton. Watching this movie, it’s easy to see that he had a blast in this role and was meant to be Beetlejuice. The character’s edges are rough as ever and Keaton’s performance is just as unhinged as his first go around.

Several newcomers join the cast, and without spoiling much about their roles, they’re all excellent. The characters fit perfectly with the world Tim Burton crafted thirty-five years ago. Jenna Ortega is picture-perfect as Lydia Deets’s daughter and manages to command scenes even when she’s opposite Beetlejuice.

While the plot is almost complete nonsense with convenient resolutions to every issue, it feels on brand for Beetlejuice. Newcomers can enjoy the story without watching the original, but diehards will have plenty to sink their teeth into. There are easter eggs from the first film, potentially one from Schitt’s Creek, and plenty of callbacks. However, unlike most reboots or delayed sequels, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is not shackled to its predecessor and doesn’t feel like it’s shouting: “Hey, remember this movie you liked? Here’s the thing you liked again.” The film has fresh ideas in a familiar environment. 

Finally, Tim Burton’s love for practical effects, sets, and costumes is on display. The character design is jaw-dropping, contributing a sense of realism to a place that shouldn’t have any. Each member of the undead is more unique than the last and memorable. Even simple touches like practical smoke rather than digital cement this film as a true Tim Burton spectacle. 

In short, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice feels like a film that could have been made 30 years ago, and it’s better for it. The film is fun, nonsensical, and exactly what it needed to be. Burton avoids the traps of delayed Hollywood sequels by remaining true to his original vision without being beholden to it. Years ago, I would have told the film industry to let Beetlejuice rest, but this film was an absolute delight. This is a rare case where I would walk straight back to the theater and watch this film again, no questions asked. 

5/5 stars – The juice is loose, and it should be

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