Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is the continuing story of the ghost with the most. Decades after the trickster demon Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton) tried to marry her, Lydia (Winona Ryder) struggles with life. By day, she uses her spirit-seeing powers to host a reality show. But this only serves as a distraction. On the periphery, she maintains estranged relationships with both her stepmother Delia (Catherine O’Hara) and teenage daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega). When Lydia’s father dies, the family reconvenes at the infamous “Ghost House,” where spooky shenanigans took place 36 years earlier. Around the same time, Lydia starts having visions of Betelgeuse. Worried the two events are connected, Lydia prepares to face off against the ghoul one more time.
What works in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is the contagious exuberance. Legacy sequels have become more prominent in recent years, with varying levels of success. A continuation must feel familiar, fresh, and relevant all at the same time. Fans of this series can be assured—Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has the perfect balance of all three. Tim Burton’s return feels like the best kind of reunion: one where everyone is super happy to be there. On top of that, the entire cast and crew clearly understand what people have loved about Beetlejuice, and thus fueled its endurance. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice doubles down on that formula, leveraging its signature blend of style, comedy, light horror, and heart.
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Non-fans of the macabre are unlikely to enjoy Beetlejuice Beetlejuice as much as others. As a filmmaker, Burton has mastered the art of mixing wacky and weird. Here, he leans even harder into that particular aesthetic with absolute relish. As with all things, this artistic styling may not be for everyone. As such, while always cartoonish and played for laughs, several sequences may gross out some patrons. Furthermore, Keaton’s Betelgeuse remains unapologetically crass. Thus, antiquated worldviews coupled with a complete lack of filter makes for dialogue that some may find offensive. In short, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’s brand of silly may be too disgusting for a few audience members.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a fantastic family movie for Halloween season. Propelled by a tremendous amount of positive energy, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is the rare legacy sequel that works incredibly well. Fans, new or old, are very likely to find something to enjoy here. Recommended.
Recommended if you enjoyed: Coraline, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Haunted Mansion
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is now available to purchase on various digital platforms.
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