Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Review: Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice from 1988 is a masterpiece that captures the unfiltered, wild creativity of a true visionary. The film feels like an unhinged, brilliant exploration of Burton’s artistic mind—strange, unpredictable, and delightfully chaotic. It’s hard to believe such an outlandish script ever made it to the big screen, let alone became a hit. The fact that it did, and that it launched careers and solidified its status as a genre-bending classic, is nothing short of extraordinary.

After 36 years, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has finally made its way to audiences—a long-anticipated sequel arriving in a much different world. Tim Burton is no longer just a director; he’s become a cultural icon and brand in his own right. Winona Ryder, now enjoying a notable career comeback through her acclaimed roles in streaming hits, adds to the buzz. As for Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Beetlejuice—equal parts grotesque, vulgar, and mischievous—it’s become so iconic that you can now find him posing for photos with fans at theme parks. With so much time passed and expectations set high, the sequel could have easily played it safe, lost its bite, or coasted on nostalgia without pushing boundaries.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice doesn’t aim to outshine the original, but it captures the same wild, chaotic spirit that made Tim Burton a household name. While Burton’s style has become more mainstream, the film recaptures that irreverent energy, reminding audiences why the original was so iconic. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel but brings back the same magic that made the first film so special.

A Story of Transformation and Timelessness

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice picks up decades later, showing how much time has changed Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder). Once an isolated, ghost-connected social outcast, she’s now a mainstream star hosting a ghost-hunting show and engaged to her slick, New Age-obsessed manager (Justin Theroux). Her daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), is a grounded, normal teen, contrasting sharply with her mother’s eccentricity. Meanwhile, Lydia’s stepmother, Delia (Catherine O’Hara), has finally found harmony with her husband’s child after years of conflict.

The husband? He’s dead—completely gone. His funeral brings the Deetz family back to Winter River, where they encounter their old adversary: Beetlejuice. After decades in the afterlife, the mischievous bio-exorcist is still the same—raunchy, manipulative, and morally rotten—while the world and the Deetz family have moved on. Michael Keaton effortlessly steps back into the role, reminding viewers that Beetlejuice hasn’t changed a bit.

The blend of past and present serves as the heart of the story—and perhaps, intentionally or not, reflects the essence of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice as a whole.

The Return of Tim Burton’s Signature Worlds

Tim Burton’s career has had its ups and downs, with recent projects feeling uninspired or outright disappointing. However, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice marks a return to his classic, gothic style. While modern in theme, the film sticks to Burton’s signature old-school aesthetic, featuring practical sets, bold makeup, and intricate puppets that evoke his earlier brilliance.

By steering clear of the overuse of digital effects seen in Alice in Wonderland and Dumbo, Burton reignites the creativity that made him iconic. The film contrasts modern-day struggles with the timeless, eerie nature of the afterlife, blending contemporary storytelling with his signature macabre vision.

Returning to this world is a blast—filled with bizarre creatures and imaginative settings—but it’s more than just fun. Tim Burton’s distinct, twisted creative style breathes life into the afterlife once again, proving his artistic vision remains powerful and timeless. Beetlejuice’s unique aesthetic, already strange in 1988, feels even more captivating now.

The Deetz family has changed, the world shifts, but death and the afterlife stay the same. While some might label its practical effects as mere nostalgia, they represent Burton reconnecting with his roots and proving that traditional craftsmanship still holds unmatched magic. Technology evolves, but this enduring style proves nothing beats the handmade touch.

The strange charm of the original Beetlejuice has only grown over time. While the Deetz family has changed, death and the afterlife remain timeless. The practical effects aren’t just nostalgic—they remind us of Burton’s artistic roots and how they still hold magic today. Technology evolves, but this handcrafted style remains unmatched.

Tim Burton Returns to His Roots with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice captures its nostalgic silliness with charm, though it occasionally leans too heavily on obvious puns. The heart of the story lies in the dynamic between Delia, Lydia, and Astrid Deetz, whose relationships drive the narrative.

Beetlejuice remains a chaotic presence, entering only when necessary. Michael Keaton shines, but the script wisely prioritizes the Deetz women’s story over his antics, proving that less is more when it comes to Beetlejuice’s enduring appeal.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice keeps things small, odd, and offbeat—just like the original. It prioritizes quirky humor and strange charm over flashy modern blockbuster trends, focusing on the classic story of a unique woman and the ghostly troublemaker in her life. It’s simple, fun, and exactly what Tim Burton fans want.

/Film Score: 7/10

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice hits theaters September 6, 2024.