Score: 3/5
While the beloved classic’s sequel may be entertaining, nostalgia cannot save it from a plot whose convolution masks its hollowness.
Surely a Beetlejuice sequel was not on most people’s bingo cards this year. The idea of it sounds like a cash-grab, and while the film frequently relies on nostalgia to put people in seats, there is a beating heart to Beetlejuice Beetlejuice that makes for a perfectly entertaining time at the cinema.
The film comes as a return to form for Tim Burton. After missing the mark with his recent films, there is a clearer spirit to this one. The opening overhead shot of Winter River is an obvious callback to the original, but in this instance, it feels full of confidence from a well-established cinematic auteur. Whether it’s the recognizable Danny Elfman score or the campy mood, you immediately know you’re watching a Tim Burton movie, which is something his most recent films have lacked.
Michael Keaton plays Beetlejuice effortlessly as though the original were a recent film. He transforms himself into the character naturally. The subtle nods made to the original movie are welcomed, and he incorporates new jokes into the character seamlessly.
Another standout comes from Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz, whose comedic timing and delivery evoke laughter in every scene she’s in. She delivers punchlines with ease, appearing as comfortable with the character as she was in the original.
Unfortunately, even with the dedicated performances, the film is held back by its convoluted storylines and lack of stakes.
The film’s first act introduces several conflicts to be resolved, tracing back to Lydia’s tumultuous relationship with her estranged daughter, Astride. The constant addition of new plotlines creates a barrier between the audience and the film, making it hard for viewers to feel out where the story wants to go. The entire first act feels like window shopping, looking down rabbit holes and wondering which one will be chosen.
Willem Dafoe, despite being a charismatic delight to watch, is wasted as an otherwise promising new character. He is introduced dramatically, set up to be a pivotal figure in the plot, but aside from a handful of gags, he leaves no impact.
The greatest filler here is the revenge plotline of Beetlejuice’s ex-wife, played by Monica Belucci. Her presence is captivating and immediately felt onscreen. The potential her character has to impact the story’s stakes would create a solid narrative, but she is left with little to no voice lines, only appearing intermittently throughout the film.
Unfortunately, both wasted characters fall victim to deus ex machina. Their power and influence are dwarfed by convenient plot points that feel tacked on to move the main narrative forward, even if the film itself struggles to figure out what that is.
Where Beetlejuice Beetlejuice thrives is its cast. Everyone gives it their all, but the unresolved plotlines are a glaring flaw. It’s a perfectly average horror comedy flick with a handful of nostalgia-oriented jokes all basking in the shadow of the original.
