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4 Sep 2024

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice review: Dusting off old bones for repossession

From the moment Danny Elfman's iconic, carnivalesque music begins in the opening sequence of 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,' we're whisked back into Tim Burton's gothic wonderland and reacquainted with old friends as if no time has passed at all.

It's been 36 years since the original movie made Tim Burton a pop culture icon, and this long-awaited sequel, along with his popular Wednesday television series, puts his legacy back on track after a series of box office flops.

The story begins with the death of Charles Deetz, husband to Delia (Catherine O'Hara) and father to Lydia (Winona Ryder). Both return to the hamlet of Winter River for his funeral, accompanied by Lydia's daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), and her partner, Rory (Justin Theroux).

Lydia hosts a paranormal television program produced by her opportunistic partner, while Delia continues to thrive as an abstract artist, a career that has brought substantial wealth to the Deetz family. Karma has caught up with Lydia as she contends with Astrid's rebellious teenage angst, much to Delia's amusement.

Their homecoming is accompanied by visions of Beetlejuice, which puts Lydia on edge and eager to get back to the city. When Astrid discovers the old model of the township in the attic—home to our titular antihero—the Deetzes find themselves contending with the topsy-turvy underworld of the dead all over again, along with an assortment of new ghouls.

Michael Keaton slips back into the old striped suit as if he never left it, bringing the same macabre, wise-cracking humour that we love, reassuring us we're in safe hands for this long-awaited legacy sequel. Hot on his heels, however, is his soul-sucking ex-wife Delores (Monica Bellucci), who returns to reclaim his hand, which in turn reignites Beetlejuice's need to marry Lydia.

There's a lot going on this time around, with all sorts of subplots woven into the story. Admittedly, the movie is overstuffed with them, and although they're all great ideas, it would have benefited from nixing some. Nevertheless, it all still works wonderfully as a whole, and the movie will have fans of the original overwhelmed with nostalgia.

But don't mistake Beetlejuice Beetlejuice for merely a fan service movie. While it includes iconic elements, it's very much a new story with fresh concepts and ideas. Those approaching the film with cynicism can rest assured that Tim Burton embraces the material with an even darker sense of humour, revelling in the grotesque, and presenting a host of new, weird, and wonderful creations.

The returning cast members step back into their roles with ease and enthusiasm. Keaton delivers a pitch-perfect evolution of his character from years ago, and despite Burton's risky choice to have Beetlejuice break the fourth wall throughout the film, the tone and attitude remain exactly what audiences expect.

Ryder and O'Hara shine as they play different versions of their characters. O'Hara presents Delia as wiser and more introspective while still indulging in her classic eccentric and narcissistic traits. Ryder, meanwhile, portrays Lydia as both enlightened and frustrated, grappling with the challenges of motherhood and lingering trauma that significantly influence the film's direction.

And of course, the assortment of new and quirky characters is a feast for the eyes, with all kinds of weird and wonderful creations at every turn.

Monica Bellucci’s witchy ex-wife character is a fantastic addition to the film. Her body is stitched together like patchwork, providing a backstory that delves into Beetlejuice's Black Death origins. Her performance is largely wordless, but her malevolent presence looms throughout the movie.

Willem Dafoe is also outstanding as a deceased character actor who can't separate his famous police detective persona from his own identity, taking charge of all the underworld's criminal cases. Dafoe fully embraces his role, delivering a hilarious and memorable performance.

The film also features familiar faces and quirky characters that are best left for you to discover, along with outrageous callbacks to the original movie. These elements combine to create a delightful moviegoing experience, offering reassurance to fans of the 1988 film.

Despite some shortcomings, which are easily forgiven, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is neither a rehash nor tokenism, but a well-intentioned follow-up that invites repeated viewings. It's so damn great to be reacquainted!

  • Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is in cinemas September 5.

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