Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse—these words first echoed in 1988, introducing us to a character that has maintained a devoted fan base for over three decades. The original Beetlejuice film catapulted Tim Burton to fame, and now, it appears that the chaotic spirit is back, potentially reviving Burton's status in Hollywood. Set to release on September 6, 2024, initial reviews of Beetlejuice 2 seem optimistic. This article delves into the early reactions to this much-anticipated sequel.
Beetlejuice 2: Tim Burton’s Best Rated Movie Yet
Fans of Tim Burton are aware of his mixed record over the years, where many of his films have faced criticism and dismal box office performance. After the disappointing reception of his live-action adaptation of Dumbo, Burton hinted at retirement. Yet, it seems that he has found redemption through the franchise that first made him famous.
Currently, Beetlejuice 2 holds an impressive IMDb rating of 8.2, marking it as the highest-rated Tim Burton film in a long time. Owen Gleiberman from Variety expressed his thoughts, stating, “But if 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' is mostly a lark, like the current hit Broadway version of 'Beetlejuice,' part of what the new movie delivers is honest nostalgia for the moment when Burton’s clown-spirit-from-hell sensibility still had the kick of shock value.”
Gleiberman's review highlights that while the sequel is largely a fan service, it remains faithful to the original's quirky and eccentric spirit, making it a worthy addition to the Beetlejuice legacy.
A New Benchmark in Sequels
Nicholas Barber from the BBC went a step further, claiming that Beetlejuice 2 surpasses the original in many aspects. He likened it to a more thrilling and grotesque version of Top Gun: Maverick, stating, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is more like a freakier, gorier, and altogether slimier equivalent of Top Gun: Maverick.” This perspective suggests that the new film not only pays homage to its predecessor but also enhances the experience with more intense humor and horror.
Such high praise indicates that for those who cherished the original, Beetlejuice 2 is likely to provide an even more entertaining experience, blending its iconic comedic style with heightened absurdity.
Diverse Opinions on Beetlejuice 2
While many reviewers are enthusiastic about Tim Burton’s latest effort, not all critics share the same sentiment. Xan Brooks from The Guardian gave Beetlejuice 2 a mere 2-star rating. He described it as a “lazily amiable horror sequel” that fails to deliver anything novel beyond its nostalgic elements, calling it a “makeweight festival opener.”
Brooks criticized the film for its lackluster storyline, claiming it feels like a collage of familiar themes that Burton struggles to make work effectively. This opinion represents a segment of critics who feel that the film does not live up to the high expectations set by its predecessor.
Critical Voices from the Industry
Audrey Fox from The Looper echoed similar concerns, noting that Beetlejuice 2 is bogged down by excessive subplots. She stated, “Ultimately, it’s the writing that prevents ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ from living up to the eccentric charms of the original film.” Her criticism points to potential narrative issues that could detract from the overall enjoyment of the film.
These contrasting opinions illustrate the divide among critics regarding the film's quality. As we approach the release date, audiences are eager to see where they will land in this debate.
Looking Ahead: The Anticipation Builds
With Beetlejuice 2 set to hit theaters soon, it’s clear that anticipation is building. The mixed reviews signify that expectations are high, and fans are excited to see how Burton recreates the quirky world that first enchanted audiences decades ago.
As the release date approaches, audiences will soon have the opportunity to form their own opinions about this new chapter in the Beetlejuice saga. Will it meet the lofty expectations of its predecessor, or will it falter under the weight of nostalgia? Only time will tell!
