★★★1/2
As someone who doesn’t have nostalgia for the original (I like the musical better), Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is still a fun time! It’s a chaotic and amusing sequel that is far better than many recent Tim Burton films but doesn’t come near to the quality of any of his classics. It’s just as weird and off-the-wall as you’d expect, and manages to be just as hilarious at times too! But more than anything, it’s a reminder of the pure vision of Tim Burton. While I’ve never been a huge Burton fan, I’ve truly missed the feeling of witnessing his wacky filmmaking sensibilities that no one except him could pull off. Everything about the film feels lovingly crafted, with perfectly twisted art direction. The visuals are the best part of the movie. Keaton hasn’t lost a step either, clearly having a blast back in the striped suit, but it is Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, and Jenna Ortega who are the true stars here. Ryder and O’Hara slide right back into their roles, while Ortega fits right into the universe of Beetlejuice. (Willem Dafoe was the surprise standout for me - I couldn’t get enough of his character.) Unfortunately, the film has a little too much going on and does not balance it out well. The editing and pacing feel awkward, with the film feeling like it takes way too long to get going, and then rushes through the second half. Not everything pays off and some ideas just go nowhere — there were just too many subplots for its own good. It left me feeling like I was watching a random mishmash of events rather than a narrative, it all blurs together. I had fun, but just wanted a bit more from nearly every set piece. That being said, it’s been a minute since Tim Burton got to be this weird and I really appreciate getting to see him play in this sandbox again! We’re all the better for it. I loved the practical effects and 80s/90s Burton feel to the whole thing — all the insane, messy, zany things you’d expect. Plus, hearing Danny Elfman’s original score make its return was a real treat. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is an imbalanced yet amusing legacy sequel — if you’re a fan of the original or just Tim Burton’s filmmaking style you’ll have a great time! Honestly, I can’t believe we actually got this movie in 2024 — that alone must be celebrated!
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