Beetlejuice Returns: A Disappointing Legacy
A Sequel That Falls Short of the Original’s Charm
The juice is loose in this messy legacy sequel to 1988’s Beetlejuice that could benefit in taking notes from its predecessor.
After a family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s life is turned upside down when her teenage daughter, Astrid, accidentally opens the portal to the Afterlife.
Realistically, it was never going to match the instant cult appeal of the original, but it has a lot of fun trying. What bothered me though was that the unicorn that is the original film is far too perfect to bother coming close to in comparison. Let me explain.
I’ve wondered if the original film resonates so deeply with us simply because we grew up with it, but the more I reflect on it, the more I realize it’s genuinely unmatched in its greatness. What I found really interesting was that for years, Burton and Keaton steadfastly refused to engage in a sequel unless the story was right. Then for this to be the script they progressed with; I’m left a little befuddled.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is both overstuffed and undercooked, an unfocused mishmash of callbacks to the original and new threads that quickly unravel. It lacks the wit, heart and zany madcap energy of its predecessor, and it mostly stumbles around, coasting on fumes.” via Detroit News.
The movie is crammed with so many plotlines that it was hard to keep track, and while I tried, I got frustrated. As soon as one wraps up, another emerges, leaving most subplots feeling underdeveloped or underutilized.
Michael Keaton continues to excel in the role he’s mastered, while Catherine O’Hara delivers a sharp, witty performance that feels like a seamless extension of her 1988 character. Winona Ryder does a solid job portraying an adult Lydia Deetz, but Jenna Ortega feels like she’s playing the same character she usually does.
I applaud director Tim Burton for resurrecting this beloved film, but after so many decades, you’d think the script would have been immaculate and not half baked.
On the Screen Reviews 
I’m going to disagree respectfully on your take. I wasn’t expecting much with this film other than something entertaining and I got that and more as I think this is Tim Burton’s best film since Big Fish. Plus, I just think ever since Wednesday. He’s found his mojo again as I would love for him to do another film with Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, and Catherine O’Hara but also with Johnny Depp and other Burton regulars. Just do something fun and simple. I also loved the fact that Burton went back to doing practical effects after years of CGI.
That’s fair; my fiancee felt the same way you did. I guess my personal expectations were too high.
Never go into a film with high expectations let alone any expectations. I wasn’t expecting a masterpiece with this film and I’m glad it wasn’t a masterpiece. I’m just glad I was having a lot of fun and laughs.