Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice: An 80s Fever Dream

This film is a remarkable 80s fever dream that makes you feel like you've traveled in Doc Brown's Time Machine - and the nostalgia-ridden boy in me was happy to remain immersed in the theater.

I can't recall when I first watched the original flick, as I was eleven when it came out (my parents probably thought I was too young to see it). But I remember experiencing it shortly after it was released (most likely a rental from Blockbuster Video).

Regardless, this sequel is worth waiting for and watching in a theater!

I LOVE that the trailer didn't spoil the plot, as many trailers seem to do (or they summarize the gist of the movie, leaving nothing to the imagination). Other reviews mock the film's plot saying it is unclear or ambiguous, but I don't think it could be any more transparent and self-aware. The Movie Blog calls the film a "Darkly Hilarious Return," and I couldn't label it any better.

Plot

At the film's start, Lydia is all grown up with a daughter (Astrid) who wants nothing to do with her, which is an ingenious call back to Lydia's relationship with Delia in the original film. Lydia hosts a supernatural television show and begins seeing flashes of Beetlejuice. Astrid has been estranged from her mother since her father died and doesn't believe in ghosts; she thinks her mother is a fraud and keeps her distance.

As the film materializes, the Matilands' fate—and that of their home—is revealed. The audience sees Delia's sculptures finally celebrated nationwide, and sadly, Charles has moved on from the living due to a ridiculous yet hilarious encounter. New characters, including a remarkable soul-sucker (portrayed by Monica Belucci), a mysterious teenage boy (played by Arthur Conti), and a clueless, narcissistic actor/cop (played by the incomparable Willem Dafoe), are introduced and propel the plot forward with twists and revelations.

Performances

Beetlejuice is back, baby! Keaton's titular demonic showman continues to steal the scene as he pines over the "love of his life" (Lydia) without overshadowing the plot or the new characters. His uncanny and inappropriate remarks never disappoint, and his gruff and witty banter is infectious.

Winona Ryder perfectly captures the essence of Lydia's teenage gothic form in adulthood, down to the pointed black bangs and bleak clothing. Her character doesn't skip a beat from the original film, and you can clearly see the long-term impact of marriage, motherhood, and seeing ghosts.

Catherine O'Hara reprises her role as Delia with perfection, remaining true to her constant need for attention and struggle with reality.

Beetlejuice newcomer Jenna Ortega nails the essence of Astrid's naivety and skepticism. Ortega is remarkable in this film and has the most prominent character arc.

Justin Theroux was perfectly cast for Rory, Lydia's slicked-haired, slimy manager and undesirable suitor. His character's egotistical pseudo-charming guise was brilliantly portrayed in every scene.

Arthur Conti cooly deceives the audience as Jeremy and fits nicely in the ensemble cast. At the same time, Monica Belucci's seductive soul sucker Delores leaves the audience - and Beetlejuice - in suspense of an undesirable conclusion.

Last but certainly not least, Willem Dafoe's witty, hard-boiled deceased actor/detective, Wolf Jackson, steals every scene he's in and is a welcomed addition to the film and its plot.

Visuals

Burton remains true to his iconic ocular tapestry of wild, vivid colors meshed with melancholy hues and over-the-top, nonsensical getups (especially in the waiting room for the deceased) instead of modernizing scenery, locations, or state-of-the-art special effects. The film doesn't look 36 years old, and it would be conceivable to think it came out in the early 90s. Everything from the wardrobes to the quaint embrace of the little town of Winter River (including the ill-fated red-covered bridge) yields the visual continuity required to assert this masterpiece as a sequel.

Soundtrack

Danny Elfman's iconic score returns and zings into your ears from the start, making you feel like you never left the original film. Several upbeat tunes juxtapose the film's grim tone, increasing the entertainment value and emotional connection to the plot and characters. Every undertone is subtly captured in symphonic harmony, aiding the storyline's arc through its masterful conclusion.

Final Word

Unlike Bob's fate (you'll need to watch the movie to see what I'm talking about), this movie was comical, enjoyable, and a wild and fun ride overall. Like many other Beetlejuice fans, I've long waited for this sequel since it was announced in 2022. I left the theater feeling Tim Burton made the 36-year wait worthwhile, executed another masterpiece, and enriched my love for film.