Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a sequel we may not have needed, but I’m glad we got it!
Tim Burton has returned to his whimsical, gothic roots with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a sequel that not only captures the magic of the 1988 original but amplifies it in the most delightful ways. With Danny Elfman’s signature score guiding us back into this quirky, supernatural world, Burton crafts a movie that feels fresh while paying homage to the darkly comedic spirit that made Beetlejuice an instant cult classic. From the first mischievous notes to the last ghoulish grin, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a riotous, wonderfully twisted ride that fans of the original will cherish.
Some movies need that throwback nostalgia, while some should avoid them. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice benefits with a sense of nostalgia because the characters lived through the first movie and it makes since for them to experience these types of elements. We recently reviewed Alien: Romulus and discussed how nostalgia impedes the plot progression of that movie as the nostalgia and Easter eggs are unnecessary there.
Michael Keaton is, without a doubt, (once again) the heart and soul of this sequel. Returning as the titular bio-exorcist, Keaton is once again a force of nature—brash, unpredictable, and utterly magnetic. His Beetlejuice is as irreverent as ever, a walking chaos engine who thrives on breaking the rules of both the living and the dead. Keaton’s performance is pitch-perfect, seamlessly blending his devilish charm with moments of genuine comic brilliance. It’s clear that he’s having as much fun inhabiting the character as audiences are watching him, and his infectious energy drives the film from start to finish.
The supporting cast is equally stellar, with returning favorites and new faces who feel right at home in Burton’s weird and wonderful universe. Winona Ryder reprises her role as Lydia Deetz, and her character’s evolution from morose goth teenager to a more mature but still eccentric adult is handled with grace and humor. She and Keaton share a few scenes that are pure cinematic gold, their dynamic as offbeat as ever. Newcomers to the series bring a fresh vitality, with standout performances that complement the returning cast without ever overshadowing the nostalgic charm of the original.
It’s great fun to see Catherine O’Hara return as Lydia’s mother, Delia, and equally enjoyable to add Jenna Ortega to the cast as Lydia’s daughter, Astrid.
Visually, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a feast for the eyes. Burton’s distinct aesthetic has only gotten sharper with time, and every frame of the film bursts with his trademark blend of dark whimsy and grotesque beauty. From the exaggerated, surreal set designs to the imaginative creature effects, the film is packed with visual delights that harken back to the original while embracing modern filmmaking techniques. Whether it’s the bizarre world of the afterlife or the delightfully skewed vision of suburban life, Burton makes sure that every scene feels like stepping into a macabre dreamscape.
And then there’s Danny Elfman’s score—a character in its own right. His music is the perfect accompaniment to Burton’s visuals, capturing the playful yet eerie tone of the film. Elfman’s score evokes both nostalgia and excitement, seamlessly blending old themes with new motifs that enhance the film’s otherworldly atmosphere. Together, Burton and Elfman create a symphony of sights and sounds that transport the audience into a fantastical world where the absurd and the terrifying coexist in harmony.
While the film pays homage to its predecessor in numerous ways, it never feels like it’s rehashing old ground. There’s a joy in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice that comes from its willingness to push the boundaries of its own bizarre universe, with new plot twists, fresh humor, and a bold expansion of the lore surrounding the afterlife. The filmmakers have crafted a sequel that respects the past while embracing the possibilities of the future—a tricky balancing act that they pull off with flair.
In short, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a triumph. It’s everything a sequel should be: wildly inventive, laugh-out-loud funny, and bursting with the kind of creative energy that only Tim Burton can deliver. With Michael Keaton once again proving he is the perfect Beetlejuice, and an all-star cast and crew firing on all cylinders, this is one movie that lives up to the magic of saying its name not once, but twice.
Rollo’s Grade: A-
