'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' Movie Review: Tim Burton Returns To His Roots
- Details
- Category: New Series and Movie Reviews
- Published: Thursday, 05 September 2024 21:30
- Written by Lupe R Haas
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE is quintessential Tim Burton. The sequel to the 1988 movie reminds fans what they love most about Burton’s films, from NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS to FRANKENWEENIE and, of course, the original BEETLEJUICE. This movie represents a flashback to Tim Burton's classics, showcasing his love of the macabre. However, the pacing is slow, and time is wasted on unnecessary subplots.
Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) is now a mother to a rebellious teenage girl (Jenna Ortega) who wants nothing to do with her mother. Lydia’s stepmom, the eccentric Delia (Catherine O'Hara) is still in the picture. Together they return to Winter River for a solemn reason. And then some weird stuff starts to happen.
Lydia (Ryder) suffers from PTSD from her experience with Beetlejuice. Her current profession is a fitting one but is it in her character to sell out and cash in on her special abilities? While we recognize Lydia in her appearance, she’s not the same girl from the original. She’s matured but she’s still unsure of herself and easy to manipulate.
Keaton’s Beetlejuice is still the highlight but the character is not as equally hilarious and outrageous.
Jenna Ortega fits right in with the Deetz as a melodramatic teen, much like her Wednesday Addams personality but less pouty. While there are distinctions, the similarities are too close.
Unfortunately, the other new cast members are humdrum. Justin Theroux’s Rory is forgettable. Willem Dafoe’s Wolf Jackson has its funny moments, but overall, that character doesn’t have much to do except provide comedy relief—but isn’t that Beetlejuice’s job?
Monica Bellucci’s soul-sucking Delores character is a formidable foe, but there is no payoff. Throughout the movie, we’re promised a showdown between Delores and Beetlejuice, but the moment is ruined by a quick resolution.
The script by Alfred Gough (Wednesday, SPIDER-MAN 2) and Miles Millar (Wednesday, SPIDER-MAN 2), and the story by Seth Grahame-Smith (DARK SHADOWS, IT CHAPTER TWO) meanders too long as we catch up with the Deetz and meet the new characters. There are too many detours with subplots featuring the new characters that are distractions. The story spent too much time in the real world rather than exploring more of Neitherworld. It's a missed opportunity.
Adam and Barbara’s whereabouts are explained away in a quick explanation which felt like a disservice to the original characters.
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE has many issues, but the sequel marks a return to Burton’s early aesthetic. In recent years, the filmmaker moved away from stop motion and his mix of horror/comedy elements. Even Netflix’s Wednesday was tamer in comparison. The sequel reminds us of what makes Tim Burton a special filmmaker.
Burton’s hard-core fans will appreciate BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE more than casual fans.
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE is in movie theaters on Friday, September 6.