Film Review: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Tim Burton is one of those filmmakers, much like Guillermo Del Toro and Quentin Tarantino, where you just know when you’re watching one of their films due to their style and look. The term auteur is thrown around for filmmakers who stand out above the rest and create their own visual language and Burton is certainly one of them. In fact a lot of other filmmakers have used the term “Burton-esque” when describing their own films further proving the expectations and influences that Tim Burton has crafted in his career. From grotesque imagery, supernatural elements, gothic imagery and even stop-motion animation, each of his films feel distinctive and original. Beetlejuice was a film that you just knew Tim Burton loved making, from the storytelling to the visual language it all just worked so well. This makes the sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice a long time coming but how does it compare with the original?

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is Tim Burton back to what he does best. There is a lot of homages to the original film, from the opening shots of Winter River to the musical whimsical-ness of Beetlejuice’s scenes. There are some fun surprises but the tone, the aesthetic and the story all feel like it connects to the original film in a very respectful way. Michael Keaton is clearly the star of the show again as the titular Beetlejuice as he gets up to more mischief and mayhem with the Deetz family.

Winona Ryder is back as an older Lydia Deetz who now has a boyfriend with the rather obnoxious Rory played by Justin Theroux. When a death in the Deetz family occurs the two of them grab Delia, Lydia’s Mum with Catherine O’Hara back in the role, as well as Lydia’s daughter Astrid, played by Tim Burton’s latest acting collaborator Jenna Ortega. Soon the afterlife comes knocking and a series of events unfold in Winter River that brings Lydia, Astrid and Delia to the afterlife. The result is a fun but messy story which sees a lot of characters running around and attempting to find Beetlejuice for one reason or another.

The film is fun and stylish. The comedy elements work very well with Michael Keaton being a stand-out as the titular character. He has a bigger role to play in this one with his backstory explored a little more but luckily there is still a sense of mystery about him. With audiences understanding the rules to this world this sequel allows Tim Burton have more fun with letting his characters off the leash as they explore new dynamics. Weddings, death, love and everything in between there is a lot crammed into the plot but those looking for some Tim Burton fun will still find it.

★★★☆☆

3/5

Final Verdict:

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has all the hallmarks of a classic Tim Burton film. Winona Ryder brings back the energy as Lydia Deetz with Jenna Ortega following in her footsteps. Michael Keaton is clearly having the time of his life as Beetlejuice as he brings the comedy and the seriousness needed to bring the film to life, or afterlife if you wish? It is undeniably a Tim Burton film but sadly not his best with a muddled plot but it certain delivers and entertains.

Thanks for reading today’s blog!

Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions