Tim Burton’s wildly eccentric and enjoyable movie, Beetlejuice, has captivated many fans since its 1988 release. Its unique premise and standout execution set it apart from other films in the genre. So, after all these years, what is Beetlejuice Beetlejuice raison d’être? I’m no closer to answering that question even after watching the sequel.
To recap for the uninitiated, Beetlejuice is about the Maitlands who tragically lose their lives in a car accident. When the deceased couple’s ghosts find their beloved home taken over by new occupants, Charles & Delia Deetz, who couldn’t care less about it, the Maitlands decide to summon Beetlejuice, a mischievous spirit, to drive them away. What follows is a series of hilarious moments as the couple and their daughter, Lydia, deal with a host of spooky entities in their new house.
In Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Lydia Deetz is now an adult with a teenage daughter, Astrid. Lydia, played once again by Winona Ryder, works as a clairvoyant, helping troubled individuals communicate with restless spirits. Catherine O’Hara reprises her role as Lydia’s mother, Delia, from the original film, and Michael Keaton returns as the titular Beetlejuice. New faces include Jenna Ortega as Astrid.
The main flaw of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is its lack of a definite purpose. While the actors deliver their performances reasonably well, the film lacks a cohesive narrative, leading to a disjointed experience. There are too many subplots and not enough resolution, making the film feel chaotic and unfocused. The absence of a clear vision becomes evident as you watch.
Although the film is meant to center on Lydia and her daughter Astrid, whose relationship is far from harmonious, the various subplots override from the film’s quirky charm and leave viewers confused and disengaged. Some character actions seem illogical, even in a fantastical context. For a film to fully engage its audience, its illogical elements must still fit coherently within the evolving storyline.
Despite the script’s shortcomings, Michael Keaton remains as charismatic as ever, capturing the idiosyncratic essence of his character from 1988. Jenna Ortega also shows promise, suggesting that we might see stellar performances from her in the future. Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara also deliver strong performances. The film further benefits from the star power of William Dafoe, Monica Bellucci, and Danny DeVito, among others.
However, the combined acting talent isn’t enough to elevate Beetlejuice Beetlejuice above mediocrity. A more cleverly crafted story and better execution might have given audiences something to remember. As it stands, the film is primarily for Tim Burton fans and those who enjoyed the original. For others, it is a film you can easily skip or catch on TV when you have nothing better to do.
For its nostalgia and solid performances but ultimately lackluster script, Film Comment gives Beetlejuice Beetlejuice 2.5 out of 5 stars. Tim Burton fans will likely enjoy it, but others are better off waiting for it to stream on TV.
What do you think?