Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice marks his return to the supernatural, blending macabre whimsy with the bizarre charm that defined his early career. Michael Keaton once again embodies Betelgeuse with gleeful abandon, and Catherine O’Hara’s expanded role as Delia Deetz proves to be one of the movie’s highlights. Her performance brings a delightful mix of comedic darkness and quirky grief, nearly stealing the spotlight from everyone else.
However, despite these high points, the movie feels scattered. With multiple plotlines that start strong but never fully develop, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice ends up as a chaotic mix of moments rather than a cohesive story. While the original film thrived on its anarchic energy, the sequel’s narrative structure often leaves viewers feeling ungrounded. The movie jumps from one event to another without resolving key threads, creating a sense of disjointedness.
Visually, the practical effects are a standout. Burton’s decision to lean into tactile, real-world visuals gives the film a distinct, grounded feel, particularly in a genre that often relies too heavily on CGI. The afterlife is brought to life with a mix of eerie humor and over-the-top creativity, reminiscent of Burton’s best work. This helps elevate the film and brings an element of nostalgia without feeling too repetitive.
The performances are a mixed bag. Winona Ryder reprises her role as Lydia Deetz but feels far too distant from her original character. Her performance is serviceable, but lacks the same charm and rebellious energy that made her a standout in the first film. Jenna Ortega, as Lydia’s daughter, essentially plays the role as written—adequate but not particularly memorable, failing to elevate the material. Justin Theroux, while intended to bring villainous energy, ends up more annoying than menacing. Willem Dafoe, on the other hand, is a blast, bringing his eccentricities to the forefront, though he occasionally goes a bit too far, pushing the absurdity to its limits.
Monica Bellucci’s introduction is strong, and her presence initially promises an intriguing subplot. Unfortunately, her character is largely wasted, leaving her arc to feel like an afterthought. This is emblematic of the film’s broader issue: too many characters and storylines with too little payoff.
Despite its narrative shortcomings, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice still captures the chaotic spirit of its predecessor. Burton’s trademark blend of dark humor and fantasy is on full display, and while the film doesn’t quite live up to its potential, it offers plenty of fun, especially for fans of the original. Hopefully, some of the film’s quirky charm will carry over to Burton’s future projects, including Wednesday season 2.
Score: 7/10
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