Beetlejuice Beetlejuice indeed comes at the right time, with the right story to tell, allowing its stunning cast to shine in an outlandish adventure. Sequels aren’t necessary, and this feels like a tireless complaint many of us in the industry keep vocalizing because IP work seems to be the only thing executives are interested in making. Still, some are worthy of the sequel treatment, and Tim Burton’s latest spectacle is one of those films.
The new film takes viewers back to Winter River after Charles Deetz’s death, and chaos ensues when the attic doors are opened again. Catherine O’Hara, Michael Keaton, and Winona Ryder all return with new cast members, Willem Dafoe, Monica Belucci, Justin Theroux, and more, with yet another brilliantly shining performance from Jenna Ortega. If anyone is born to play Lydia Deetz’s daughter, Astrid, it’s Ortega.
The premise for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice isn’t all that exciting—in truth, much of the same beats from the original film are present, but an underlying story about mothers and daughters is what allows the film to feel grounded. The progress we see between Delia and Lydia is quite impressive (even as the two women still clash in delightful ways), and the growth we get between Lydia and Astrid is no small accomplishment. It’s what makes the story feel wholesome in all its grotesque, gutsy grossness. But that’s why we’re here, isn’t it? Beetlejuice isn’t for everyone and that’s certainly the case in the sequel, too. It’s a particular brand of intrigue and nostalgia that we hold onto, which the film honors as it centers Halloween once more.
Part of this film’s charm also relies heavily on the cast. Ryder, Keaton, and O’Hara are legends for a reason, and without them, none of this would’ve worked as memorably. Others are undoubtedly replaceable, and the sequel finds a way to work around them in a way that emphasizes the great strength in creativity that’s done right. It’s what Burton excels at. But again, adding a brilliant star like Ortega is truly icing on top of a wildly lavish cake.
Ryder was correct in stating that “they were waiting for her to be born” before making this film (via Associated Press). Ortega fits in so seamlessly that it genuinely feels like some sort of cosmic doing.
As a kid battling through grief and her own beliefs while living in the shadow of her mother, the film gives not only Ortega rich material to work with but also each of the Deetz women. The grief arc also provides a surprising form of comfort, especially for those of us who know similar losses, because the film essentially emphasizes the significance of living in the moment. It’s a reminder of the importance of communication and learning to understand people’s differences. It’s why Lydia always stood out from her family in the original, and we see a similar arc here with Astrid. It carefully allows the narrative to work around the characters to showcase the growth that’s occurred in the last thirty-six years and how human imperfections still terrorize.
It’s also refreshing that in true Burton fashion Beetlejuice Beetlejuice doesn’t lean into CGI or over-the-top special effects. Everything is practical. It matches the satisfying vibes of the original while still including the time changes. The jokes stick the landing and the emotional beats hit even more than I thought they would. There’s one decision that doesn’t sit right with me personally, but to avoid spoilers, I’ll say that it simply might be a “me thing” because, overall, the film is a clear winner.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice might not become a classic like the original, but it’s undoubtedly a sequel that’s worth rewatching. It’s a follow-up that makes sense, with a story that feels properly executed and brought to life with thoughtful care. Someone somewhere might even call it their new favorite because there’s plenty to appreciate when breaking parts of it down.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is now playing in theaters.
First Featured Image | Official Poster Credit: ©Warner Bros.