[Watch the 1-minute review above or read the expanded review below.]
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice sees Tim Burton revisiting the roots that first solidified his distinct style, bringing with it his signature blend of high creativity, dark comedy, and a pronounced focus on practical effects. Much like the 1988 original, Burton’s affinity for the bizarre and morbid shines through, ensuring that this sequel retains the playfully macabre atmosphere that fans of his earlier work will appreciate.
The cast is one of the film’s strongest assets, fully embracing the over-the-top chaos that defines the world of Beetlejuice. Michael Keaton slips back into his demonic role with such ease, it’s as though no time has passed since the original. His unhinged energy and irreverent humour are as sharp as ever, reminding viewers why his performance remains so iconic decades later. Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara, reprising their roles, are equally enjoyable to see again, with both bringing the right blend of nostalgia and fresh energy to the table.
Newcomers to the Beetlejuice world, including Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, and Willem Dafoe, integrate themselves seamlessly into Burton’s quirky vision. Theroux, Dafoe, and O’Hara, in particular, steal the spotlight in several moments, delivering some of the film’s more amusing and memorable scenes. Ortega, with that goth-adjacent persona, a large amount of which was driven into the zeitgeist by the Tim Burton-exec produced Netflix series Wednesday, feels perfectly cast in this darkly comic universe.
However, where Beetlejuice Beetlejuice falters slightly is in its narrative. The plot at times feels a bit too scattered, with certain storylines struggling to come together cohesively. There’s a sense of disjointedness that, while not detrimental to the overall experience, detracts from the potential for a tighter, more engaging story. Monica Bellucci’s character, Delores, is one such example of this. Her subplot feels somewhat underdeveloped and tacked on, offering little to the broader narrative.
The film’s climax also leaves something to be desired. The finale, while visually chaotic in true Beetlejuice fashion, suffers from a rushed pacing that leads to a somewhat clumsy conclusion. It’s a spectacle, sure, but the emotional and narrative payoff feels less satisfying than it could have been, especially given the buildup throughout the film.
That said, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is, for the most part, a comfortable and often quite funny sequel. While the film doesn’t stray too far from the formula that made the original a success, it offers enough nostalgia and fresh elements to keep both longtime fans and newcomers entertained. Importantly, it feels like a natural continuation of the 1988 classic, and though it may not reach the heights of its predecessor, it captures enough of the original’s magic to justify its return.
