“Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” This name blew up the box office charts back in 1988 when Michael Keaton appeared on screen as the wise-mouthed ghoul. After Beetlejuice was sent back to the afterlife in the first movie, nobody expected to see a sequel. However, after 36 years, Beetlejuice is back with an unexpected sequel called Beetlejuice 2. Initially, when the trailer was released, I was really hyped to watch this sequel in theaters, but as I did, it left me with a truckload of mixed feelings. So, in this review, let’s talk about Beetlejuice 2.
Spoiler Warning: This review contains spoilers for Beetlejuice 2.
What Is Going on in Beetlejuice 2?
Beetlejuice 2 brings us back to a grown-up Lydia Deetz, played by Winona Ryder, who is now a renowned TV star famous for her ability to communicate with and see ghosts. However, in the past few weeks, she has seen glimpses of Beetlejuice, portrayed by Michael Keaton, around her. A few minutes into the movie, her step-mom, Delia Deetz, calls to inform Lydia that her father has passed away in a plane crash, where he survived the crash but was ultimately killed by a shark.
We are then introduced to Astrid, Lydia’s daughter, played by Jenna Ortega. Astrid harbors resentment towards her mother, believing her to be a fraud who does not truly believe in spirits or ghosts. The three women return to Winter River for the funeral, where Astrid meets a boy named Jeremy, who turns out to be a ghost. He tricks her into swapping lives so he can return to the land of the living. Now, Lydia has no choice but to call Beetlejuice for help in saving Astrid from dying.
Beetlejuice 2 Is a Huge Clutter in Itself
The plot of Beetlejuice 2, in totality, is straightforward; however, it contains so many elements that make little sense. First, we meet Beetlejuice’s ex-wife, Delores, played by Monica Bellucci, who is a “Soul Sucker.” She can kill anyone in the afterlife by taking away their soul. Yet, she doesn’t find Beetlejuice until the end of the movie, only to be killed by a sandworm.
William Dafoe plays Wolf Jackson, a character who transitioned from actor to detective after his death. He investigates the deaths caused by Delores, yet his character feels unnecessary, with less than 10-12 minutes of screen time. These additional characters clutter the plot and detract from its coherence.
The movie feels chaotic not just in its action but also in its storytelling. The original Beetlejuice was chaotic too but had a steady flow that made sense to the audience. In contrast, Beetlejuice 2 loses that clarity, making it more difficult to engage with. The clutter in the plot could easily have been streamlined to create a more focused narrative.
The Visuals Stay True to Its Legacy but Could Have Been Better
One defining factor of the original Beetlejuice was its visuals. The cartoonish and wicked aesthetics, along with the bizarre makeup and prosthetics, delivered a humorous tone. Beetlejuice 2 attempts to maintain this visual style, but it feels like Tim Burton aimed to preserve the 90s vibe, resulting in a downgrade in quality for a 2024 film.
While nostalgia is important, the visuals in Beetlejuice 2 could have been enhanced to meet modern expectations. The effort to stay true to the original might have hindered the potential to elevate the film's overall aesthetic experience.
However, Beetlejuice 2 Still Holds the “Beetlejuice” Essence
Despite its shortcomings, Beetlejuice 2 does capture the essence that fans expect from a Beetlejuice movie. Michael Keaton delivers a phenomenal performance, seeming as energetic and charming as ever. The film even features a choir rendition of Day-O, a classic from the original.
The humor in Beetlejuice's lines remains as unhinged as it was in the first film. The bizarre magic he performs continues to entertain, and while some moments might be disturbing, they align with the film's quirky humor. The practical effects remain delightfully gruesome, adding to the nostalgic experience for long-time fans.
Is Beetlejuice 2 Worth Watching?
This question is tricky. If you've been a fan of the original Beetlejuice for years, you might enjoy this sequel, but it may not meet your expectations. It's important to manage your hopes when entering the theater.
For those unfamiliar with the first movie, Beetlejuice 2 may feel confusing. If you generally dislike films from the 80s and 90s, this movie might not resonate with you. However, for fans of the original, this sequel provides a nostalgic journey, albeit with a few disappointments. In summary, it’s worth watching if you know the original; otherwise, it may not be for you.
