When Michael Keaton returned as the Dark Knight in the disappointing 2023 DC Extended Universe film “The Flash”, fans had hoped for a reunion between him and director Tim Burton for a “Batman Returns” follow-up.
Alas, that didn’t happen, but we arguably got a much juicier deal with “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”, a sequel to Burton’s 1988 twisted comedy classic that we didn’t even know we needed.
In the words of the titular character: the juice is loose! This long-awaited sequel rekindles the dark magic of Burton’s original, blending familiar faces with new characters. The film’s visuals stay true to Burton’s signature gothic style, mixing eerie humour with whimsical oddities.
Thirty-six years after the initial chaos, the Deetz family returns to Winter River, this time shaken by a family tragedy. Lydia (Winona Ryder), still haunted by her past encounter with Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton), faces new trouble when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), uncovers a mysterious model of the town in the attic.
Unwittingly, Astrid reopens the portal to the Afterlife. Despite Lydia’s warnings, someone says Betelgeuse’s name three times, and the mischievous demon is unleashed once again.
From there, it’s a supernatural ride as Betelgeuse gleefully wreaks havoc, dragging the Deetz family into another whirlwind of chaos. But this time, the Ghost with the Most has a new, terrifying nemesis (Monica Bellucci) chasing him down.
For a sequel that has emerged decades after the original, “Beetlejuice 2” is a true triumph. Hollywood has too often disappointed with mediocre follow-ups like “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” (2023) and “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” (2021). But Burton, ever the visionary, shows how it’s done.
His formula? Simple yet effective: sprinkle nostalgia and fan service without drowning in flashbacks, while adding fresh elements that elevate the story. And, importantly, don’t alienate new viewers who may have missed the original.
Burton brings his signature style back with practical effects, prosthetics and puppets, staying faithful to the original film’s quirky charm. The goo, slime, decapitated heads, and other gruesome effects push the limits of macabre humour and visual comedy. It’s the perfect mix of grotesque and playful that fans have come to expect.
The film’s only shortcoming is its many subplots, which get muddled in the middle and rush to a quick resolution in the final act.
Also, while casting Bellucci as a formidable threat to Betelgeuse was inspired, her disturbingly twisted character doesn’t get the screen time or development she deserves. This seems like a wasted opportunity.
Happily, Keaton’s performance is pure gold, delivering the same wild, unpredictable energy that made the first “Beetlejuice” iconic. His comedic timing is still sharp, and his antics will have you laughing throughout.
Meanwhile, Ryder’s portrayal of Lydia, now a grown woman juggling her own rebellious teenager, is delightfully nuanced, balancing eccentricity and buried trauma.
A fresh addition to the cast, Ortega gives us more than just the Gothic roles she’s known for. As Astrid, she’s a believable teenager – not quite as stoic as her character from Netflix’s “Wednesday”, another Burton offering – and brings a lively energy to the mix, adding depth to the new family dynamic.
One of the most surprising scene-stealers is Betelgeuse’s assistant, Bob. With a gigantic body and a tiny head with his mouth sewn shut, Bob doesn’t say a word – but his sad puppy eyes will make you root for him. He’s probably the most unexpectedly endearing character in the movie.
And then there’s Willem Dafoe: his role as a washed-up actor who’s now a glorified investigator in the Afterlife is pure camp. Dafoe leans into the absurdity with a straight face, delivering one of the film’s funniest performances, his over-the-top seriousness adding a layer of ridiculous hilarity.
All in all, “Beetlejuice 2” is a perfectly spooky roller-coaster ride: weird, wonderful, and wickedly fun. You’ll be entertained, left in stitches, and will likely be asking for a third helping – even if Burton himself has done the maths: “It took 35 years to do this sequel, I’ll be over 100 for a third. I guess it’s possible – medical science these days – but I don’t think so.”
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice…
As of press time, ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.