In the realm of Hollywood, nothing ever truly stays dead. Franchises can rise from the grave, actors can be digitally resurrected, and beloved characters can return decades later, often to mixed results. The trend of late has left many filmgoers skeptical, as nostalgia-heavy sequels often feel like cash grabs rather than heartfelt homages to the originals. Enter Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the long-awaited sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 classic Beetlejuice. With Burton at the helm and Michael Keaton back as the infamous bio-exorcist, there was both excitement and trepidation surrounding this return to the macabre world of the afterlife.
For those who grew up on the original Beetlejuice, like myself, this sequel carries a heavy weight of expectation. The original film shaped an entire generation’s sense of humor, with Keaton’s irreverent performance and Winona Ryder’s goth-chic portrayal of Lydia Deetz leaving an indelible mark on pop culture. Now, 36 years later, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice attempts to recapture that magic while updating the story for a modern audience. Surprisingly, it largely succeeds, offering a wild, nostalgic ride filled with quirky humor, dazzling visuals, and a fresh storyline that doesn’t simply retread the original.
The Story Picks Up Decades Later
Set 30 years after the events of the first film, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice follows Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), now a widow and mother to a teenage daughter, Astrid (played by Wednesday star Jenna Ortega). Astrid is every bit as rebellious and sardonic as Lydia was in her youth, and the mother-daughter dynamic provides much of the film’s emotional core. The plot kicks into gear when Astrid finds herself trapped in the land of the dead, and Lydia must once again turn to the mischievous Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) for help.
This setup allows the film to dive back into the familiar world of Beetlejuice without feeling like a forced reboot. Burton, along with screenwriters Alfred Gough and Miles Millar (creators of Wednesday), masterfully weaves in iconic elements from the original film while introducing new characters and settings that expand the afterlife universe. The stop-motion sandworms, the black-and-white striped suit, and the shrunken-headed ghosts all make triumphant returns, much to the delight of longtime fans. But the film also pushes the boundaries of the bizarre with new ghoulish characters and darkly comedic gags that feel fresh and inventive.
Michael Keaton Shines Once Again
If there’s one reason to see Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, it’s Michael Keaton’s return as the titular character. Keaton dives back into the role with unbridled enthusiasm, delivering a performance that is every bit as zany and anarchic as it was in 1988. His Beetlejuice is crass, politically incorrect, and completely unhinged—exactly how fans remember him. Keaton has a natural ability to balance the character’s grotesque humor with an undeniable charisma that makes him a joy to watch, even when he’s being a total cad.
What’s remarkable about Keaton’s performance is that it doesn’t feel like he’s merely rehashing his old tricks. There’s a looseness to his physical comedy and a manic energy that makes Beetlejuice feel as alive (or undead) as ever. Whether he’s cracking inappropriate jokes or orchestrating chaos in the afterlife, Keaton’s Beetlejuice is a force of nature. It’s clear that both Keaton and Burton are fully committed to keeping the character as outrageous as possible, which is a refreshing departure from the more sanitized approach many modern films take with legacy characters.
A Perfect Balance of Nostalgia and Innovation
One of the most challenging aspects of reviving a beloved franchise is balancing fan service with innovation. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice walks this tightrope expertly, paying homage to the original while introducing new elements that keep the film from feeling like a mere retread. Fans of the original will appreciate the return of Winona Ryder’s Lydia, whose sardonic wit and gothic style are as sharp as ever. The film also brings back Catherine O’Hara as Delia, Lydia’s eccentric stepmother, who now finds herself gleefully pointing out the karmic justice of Lydia’s own strained relationship with her daughter.
While the film doesn’t shy away from referencing the original’s most iconic moments, it also introduces new characters that breathe life into the story. Jenna Ortega’s Astrid is a standout, capturing the same rebellious spirit that made Lydia such a memorable character in the first film. Her dynamic with Ryder adds emotional depth to the film, grounding the supernatural shenanigans with real-world family drama. Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, and Willem Dafoe round out the cast, each bringing their own unique flair to the film’s twisted world.
Tim Burton’s Return to Form
Tim Burton has had a bit of a rocky decade, with films like Dark Shadows and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children feeling like hollow imitations of his earlier work. However, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice marks a return to form for the director. Burton is at his best when he’s fully embracing his eccentric, offbeat sensibilities, and this film is a perfect showcase for his signature blend of dark humor and whimsical visuals.
The afterlife in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a place of pure Burton-esque imagination. From the stop-motion creatures to the twisted architecture of the afterlife offices, every frame feels like a page ripped from Burton’s sketchbook. The visual design, courtesy of longtime collaborator Colleen Atwood, is both nostalgic and refreshingly inventive, blending the classic gothic aesthetic with a new layer of vibrant, surreal imagery. Burton’s vision of the afterlife is equal parts creepy and comical, and it’s a joy to explore.
A Few Quibbles, but Nothing Fatal
While Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a wildly entertaining film, it’s not without its flaws. Some fans might take issue with the absence of the Maitlands (the ghostly couple played by Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis in the original), as their absence is explained away with a quick line of dialogue. Additionally, some of the plot points, particularly Beetlejuice’s motivation for reconnecting with Lydia, feel a bit underdeveloped. However, these minor issues are easily overshadowed by the film’s many strengths.
In an era where sequels and reboots often fall flat, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a rare gem that manages to capture the spirit of the original while standing on its own. It’s a chaotic, hilarious, and visually stunning ride that proves Tim Burton and Michael Keaton still have plenty of tricks up their sleeves. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original or a newcomer to the world of Beetlejuice, this sequel delivers in spades.
For fans who have been waiting for Beetlejuice’s return, this film is worth the wait. It’s a reminder that sometimes, even in Hollywood, the dead can rise again—and in this case, they come back better than ever.
