Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Tim Burton's Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a film that blends nostalgia, creativity and the unique storytelling that has become synonymous with Burton's name. For fans of the original 1988 film, this sequel is a chance to recapture the eccentric, macabre universe that made Beetlejuice a cult classic, while introducing new characters and themes that broaden and deepen the universe.

The film opens with the reintroduction of Lydia Deetz, played once again by Winona Ryder. Lydia, who was the dark teenager at the center of the original film, is now an adult grappling with her past and the lingering presence of the supernatural. Winona Ryder delivers a performance that beautifully captures Lydia's evolution from a gothic teenager to a woman haunted by the traumas of her youth. This time, Lydia isn't alone; she's accompanied by her daughter, Astrid Deetz, played by Jenna Ortega. Astrid is skeptical about her mother's ghostly past, setting up a generational conflict that adds a new layer to the story. Jenna Ortega, known for her role in Wednesday, brings a fresh energy to the film, balancing Astrid's rebellious streak with moments of vulnerability.

Michael Keaton returns as the iconic Betelgeuse (better known as Beetlejuice), the bio-exorcist whose chaotic energy and dark humor defined the original film. Keaton slips back into the role with ease, delivering a performance both nostalgic and nuanced. While Betelgeuse is still the same mischievous spirit, this time there's a hint of weariness in his character, reflecting the years that have passed and his long absence from the mortal world. This lends depth to his antics, making him more than just a troublemaker; he becomes a character grappling with his own place in the afterlife.

The film's visual style is a testament to Tim Burton's creative genius. Elaborate sets, Gothic architecture and a mix of practical effects and CGI create a world both familiar and new. The life-after-death sequences, in particular, showcase Burton's signature blend of disquiet and fantasy.

The bureaucratic absurdity of the afterlife administration, combined with the grotesque yet fascinating inhabitants of this otherworldly realm, offers viewers a visual feast brimming with imagination and detail.
However, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is not without its flaws. The film juggles multiple subplots, each intriguing in its own right, but not always perfectly integrated. The narrative sometimes feels disjointed, with each subplot - be it Astrid and Lydia's strained relationship, Betelgeuse's dealings with his vengeful ex-wife Delores or the various escapades in the afterlife - appearing as episodic rather than part of a coherent whole. As a result, the film can feel more like a series of vignettes than a well-crafted story, which can leave some viewers feeling disconnected from the overall narrative.

One of the film's main subplots concerns Betelgeuse's ex-wife, Delores, played by Monica Bellucci. Delores is a soul-sucking demon who has returned to the afterlife with a vendetta against Betelgeuse. Bellucci's entrance into the film is one of its highlights; she literally reconstitutes herself, limb by limb, in a grotesque yet hypnotic sequence that reflects Burton's love of horror classics. Her character is both terrifying and seductive, embodying the archetypal femme fatale with a dark twist. However, despite this strong introduction, Delores is underused in the story. Most of her screen time is devoted to the search for Betelgeuse, and while these moments are filled with tension, they lack the depth necessary to make her a truly compelling antagonist.

Catherine O'Hara returns as Delia Deetz, Lydia's mother-in-law, and she's as charming as ever. O'Hara's Delia is a larger-than-life character, and in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice she has become a semi-famous artist who uses her own body as a canvas for her avant-garde creations. O'Hara infuses Delia with the same blend of humor and eccentricity that set her apart in the original film. Her scenes are some of the funniest in the film, particularly when she interacts with Lydia and Astrid, bringing both levity and absurdity to the darker moments.

Willem Dafoe is another newcomer to the cast, playing Wolf Jackson, a former B-movie actor turned ghost detective. Dafoe's character is one of the film's most entertaining elements. His portrayal of Wolf Jackson is a perfect blend of the serious and the absurd, with Dafoe delivering some of the film's best lines. His character is committed to his role as a detective in the afterlife, even though he was killed by one of his own stunts in a cheesy action movie. Dafoe's performance is a testament to his ability to fully inhabit even the most bizarre characters, making Wolf Jackson one of the film's most striking figures.

Justin Theroux plays Rory, Lydia's boyfriend and TV producer, who is more interested in his celebrity than his well-being. Theroux's portrayal of Rory is perfect; he's sly, manipulative and just the right amount of over-the-top. His character is a modern counterpoint to Lydia's more down-to-earth personality, and Theroux has a lot of fun in the role, especially in scenes where Rory's selfishness is on full display.

The film's soundtrack, composed by Danny Elfman, is another highlight. Elfman, who has worked with Burton on several of his films, once again delivers a score that perfectly complements the film's tone. The music is eerie, playful and full of the kind of dark fantasy that has become the hallmark of Burton's films. The use of classic pieces, such as “MacArthur Park” during a particularly surreal and darkly comic wedding sequence, demonstrates Burton's ability to blend the whimsical and the macabre in a way that is both fresh and familiar.

While the film excels in character interaction and visual spectacle, it also revisits some of the themes that have been at the heart of Tim Burton's work. The conflict between the living and the dead, the acceptance of one's unique identity and the concept of death as another part of the journey are all explored with Burton's characteristic touch. These themes are organically woven into the narrative, allowing the film to retain its comic tone without lapsing into ponderousness.

Despite its narrative flaws, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a film that succeeds in many ways. It offers a mix of nostalgia and fresh ideas that will appeal to both fans of the original and newcomers to the franchise. Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, Catherine O'Hara, Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe and Justin Theroux all deliver memorable performances. The film's visual style is a feast for the eyes, and Danny Elfman's music adds to the overall atmosphere.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a worthy successor to the original film. It may not capture the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of the 1988 classic, but it is a testament to Tim Burton's enduring vision and ability to create films that are both visually stunning and deeply entertaining. For anyone who loved the original, this sequel is a must-see, offering a blend of humor, horror and heart that only Burton can deliver.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Directed by Tim Burton
Produced by Marc Toberoff, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Tommy Harper, Tim Burton
Written by Alfred Gough, Miles Millar
Story by Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, Seth Grahame-Smith
Based on Characters by Michael McDowell, Larry Wilson
Starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Jenna Ortega, Willem Dafoe
Cinematography : Haris Zambarloukos
Edited by Jay Prychidny
Music by Danny Elfman
Production companies : Plan B Entertainment, Tim Burton Productions
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures
Release dates August 28, 2024 (Venice), September 6, 2024 (United States), September 11, 2024 (France)
Running time : 105 minutes

Seen on September 5, 2024 at the Grand Rex

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