Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

RATING: 8/10

Beetlejuice 2 is a fun and visually captivating return to the delightfully bizarre world of the original. This sequel manages to honor the spirit of the 1988 classic while adding fresh energy to the franchise. With stellar performances from both returning and new cast members, and Tim Burton’s signature gothic charm in full swing, Beetlejuice 2 is an enjoyable ride—though not without its minor flaws.

Synopsis:In Beetlejuice 2, we return to the weird and wonderful world of the Netherworld, where chaos once again ensues in the lives of the Deetz family. Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), now older and wiser, finds herself drawn back into supernatural shenanigans after her daughter, played by Jenna Ortega, accidentally summons the mischievous ghost with the most, Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton). The stakes are higher this time, with not one, but three formidable forces threatening the balance between the living and the dead. As Beetlejuice returns to his old tricks, the Deetz family must once again navigate the strange, ghostly realms, relying on both familiar faces and new allies to save the day.

In-depth Review:

Cinematography & Set Design: A Visual Feast

As expected from a Tim Burton film, Beetlejuice 2 excels in creating a whimsical, eerie atmosphere that blends the macabre with the quirky. The set design is an immersive visual treat, full of gothic architecture, bizarre creatures, and the familiar zany color palette that fans of the original will immediately recognize. The Netherworld, in particular, is expanded upon, offering more depth and creativity in its depiction, with new areas and ghostly locales that feel both fresh and familiar. The cinematography captures the charm of Burton’s darkly comedic world, balancing dynamic action scenes with moments of surreal humor. There’s a seamless blend of practical effects and modern CGI that keeps the aesthetic grounded while still feeling fresh and updated for a new audience.

Acting: A Cast in Their Element

One of the strongest aspects of Beetlejuice 2 is the cast. Michael Keaton's return as the titular Beetlejuice is nothing short of masterful—he hasn’t missed a beat since his first chaotic turn as the mischievous ghost. Keaton embodies the role with the same manic energy and gleeful irreverence that made Beetlejuice such an iconic character. His larger-than-life personality dominates every scene he’s in, and it’s clear that he’s having as much fun playing the character as ever.

Winona Ryder’s return as Lydia Deetz is another highlight. She steps back into the role with ease, bringing a maturity and depth to Lydia, who is now a mother but still retains her dark, quirky edge. Ryder delivers a performance that balances nostalgia with growth, as we see Lydia evolve from the gloomy teenager we knew into a protective, strong-willed adult who still has a foot in the supernatural world.

Jenna Ortega, who plays Lydia’s daughter, is a fantastic addition to the franchise. Known for her ability to handle dark, quirky roles, Ortega blends seamlessly into the Beetlejuice universe. She brings a fresh dynamic to the film, providing a new youthful energy while holding her own alongside the veteran actors. Ortega’s chemistry with Keaton is particularly entertaining, as her character navigates the absurdity of Beetlejuice’s antics with a sharp wit and natural charm.

The supporting cast also delivers, though they are often overshadowed by the main trio. Each actor brings their A-game, but they pale in comparison to the force of personality that is Beetlejuice and the Deetz family.

Story: Fun, But Overstuffed

The story of Beetlejuice 2 is full of humor, twists, and supernatural chaos, but it’s not without its flaws. One of the major issues is the overabundance of villains. The film introduces three separate antagonists, each with their own agenda, but none of them hold the “big bad” position for long. While these characters are fun in their own right, they are dispatched fairly easily, leaving them feeling more like episodic hurdles than major threats. This lack of a true central villain makes the overall plot feel a bit scattered, and there’s a sense that the film could have been split into two movies to give each antagonist more time to develop.

However, the chaotic nature of the plot is somewhat fitting for a Beetlejuice movie, where absurdity reigns supreme. The film’s humor and pacing keep the story moving quickly, ensuring there’s never a dull moment, but this rapid pace also means that some plot points feel underdeveloped or rushed.

Flaws: Too Much in Too Little Time

While Beetlejuice 2 is a worthy sequel, it suffers from trying to do too much in its runtime. The film introduces multiple new characters, expands the Netherworld, and brings back old favorites, all while trying to weave in three major antagonists. This leads to certain storylines feeling undercooked and major characters not getting enough screen time to make a lasting impact. With the sheer number of elements at play, it’s easy to feel like the film could have been split into two, giving each aspect the breathing room it deserved.

Final Thoughts: A Spirited Sequel Worth Watching

Despite its occasional flaws, Beetlejuice 2 is an entertaining addition to the franchise. The performances—particularly from Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Jenna Ortega—are top-notch, and the film successfully recaptures the quirky, gothic charm that made the original so beloved. The cinematography and set design are delightfully inventive, with enough visual nods to the original to keep fans satisfied while offering new creative flourishes.

Although the story can feel overstuffed and the villains underwhelming, the film’s fast pace and humor make it an enjoyable ride from start to finish. Beetlejuice 2 might not reach the iconic status of its predecessor, but it’s a worthy follow-up that brings the ghost with the most back to life in all his mischievous glory. Fans of the original will appreciate the nostalgia, while new viewers will enjoy the wild, ghostly fun this sequel has to offer.

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-Written by

 Timothy Gaer

Director