It’s only taken 36 years for Tim Burton to come up with a new insane story to bring viewers back into the world of the dead with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. 

 

We find ourselves being re-introduced to Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) as she hosts her own TV show called Ghost House. She uses her powers of seeing the dead to rid people’s homes of evil spirits. Lydia receives a call from her stepmom, Delia (Catherine O’Hara), about the sudden loss of her father and learns that the funeral will be held at the house from the first film. This reunites Lydia with her daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), who is resentful towards her mother after the death of her father. Astrid also does not believe in ghosts. Tagging along is Lydia’s new love interest and manager, Rory (Justin Theroux), who is supposedly there to support Lydia but seems to have some ulterior motive. As this is all going on we head to the underworld where Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) is running his very own telemarketing service to aid other dead people with getting revenge on the living. So, he must have made it out of the waiting room at the end of the first film to start his business back up again. The only issue is that his former wife, Delores (Monica Bellucci), is back and wants to suck Beetlejuice’s soul from his body. Learning that Lydia is back home in Winter River, Beetlejuice wants to pursue her and get re-married to avoid his soul sucking ex-wife. We are then introduced to Jeremy (Arthur Conti) who is a possible love interest for Astrid as she explores the town Lydia grew up in. Her newly formed relationship with Jeremy sends her to the underworld where Lydia must team up with Beetlejuice to get her out. Is this really a smart idea? Can Beetlejuice be the hero? Most likely, not.

 

I was so excited to see this film. I remember watching the first one as a kid and was enthralled with the unique style that Burton brought to the film. Now, Burton did it again with a lot more practical effects, actual sets, and very little green screen and CGI use. It really felt like this film was made back in the late 80’s early 90’s. I think everyone’s performance was great, especially Keaton’s, Ryder’s, and O’Hara’s. The original three characters from the first film really brought their A-game. It felt like it was effortless for them to get back into those characters mentally and physically. The only issue I had with this film was the overall story. It was kind of all over the place and there wasn’t a straight plot point. There were several stories interwind with each other and all were solved quickly. I think Burton was more focused on the gags, effects, and performances than the actual story. This makes sense because the first film was a bit random too. In the first film though, there was a linear plot line with a feeling of satisfaction at the end. With this film it’s kind of the opposite. It’s mostly a lot of bits added to the plot with a not so satisfying ending. I still had a good time watching this movie. 

 

I suggest seeing this movie at least once in theaters to experience the practical magic that Tim Burton brings to the big screen, and witness a phenomenal performance by Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara. Don’t be too focused on the plot and enjoy the wackiness and fun this film offers.

 

Rating: 3.9 out 5