BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE is a 2024 fantasy comedy horror film directed by Oscar-nominated visionary Tim Burton, from a screenplay by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar (Wednesday), story by Gough and Millar and Seth Grahame-Smith (The LEGO® Batman Movie), based on characters created by Michael McDowell and Larry Wilson. The film is the follow-up to Burton’s 1988 cult classic film, Beetlejuice.
Beetlejuice is back! After an unexpected 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 rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened. With trouble brewing in both realms, it's only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice's name three times and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.
The cast includes Michael Keaton returning to his iconic role alongside Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti, Jenna Ortega, and Willem Dafoe.
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE made its debut in theaters and IMAX on September 6th, 2024, courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.
The original Beetlejuice film arrived in theaters back in 1988 which is seriously hard to believe. I was just four-years-old at the time but over the years I have seen the movie more times than I can count. Movies were always a big part of my youth and some just had more of an impact on me than others and I would say Beetlejuice is for sure in that category.
Tim Burton is a strange guy, that is simply undeniable, but the former Disney animator is incredibly creative and has directed some gems over the years including the very unique Edward Scissorhands (1990), starring Johnny Depp. He has a certain style which you either love or hate, and although I can’t say that I have enjoyed all of his work, I appreciate his talent and can undoubtedly say that he has been behind the camera for some of my favorite movies. When I learned that a sequel for Beetlejuice was in the works with most of the original cast members and Burton returning to direct, I was pumped. September couldn’t come fast enough.
I was so excited for BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE that I attended a special midnight screening at my local theater, and I am pleased to say it did not disappoint. First and foremost the film does a fantastic job bringing back the essence of the original film as far as the overall feel, style, and just lasting effect. The opening even includes the same flying camera through the town opening shot which was a great touch, and it was just obvious from the start that this was a movie determined to satisfy fans of the original while also entertaining newcomers.
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE is very funny thanks to legendary actor Michael Keaton making his return as the fast-talking sleaze ball who would sell his own grandmother on the street corner if it benefited him in some way. It was honestly mind-blowing how seamless it was for Keaton to take on this role yet again, and to say he didn’t miss a step would be an understatement. The entire cast in general was great, with triumphant returns from other original cast members including Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder, and welcomed additions to the cast including Jenna Ortega, Willem Defoe in a very unique and awesome role, and Justin Theroux. The cast was one of the biggest strengths of the original and that was the case yet again.
I was genuinely impressed with the screenplay, mainly because it tied into the original while still adding a fresh edge to the film. Fans of the original mostly remember the strange and unique elements of the film, but the story still mattered. I loved how the sequel found a way to build on the original by digging deeper into the backstory of Beetlejuice with hilarious results. In the original film Beetlejuice is sort of a hybrid protagonist/antagonist character, mainly because he simply wasn’t trustworthy. In BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE the writers find a way to make Beetlejuice more of a sympathetic character as we learn more about how he came to be, and it is a joy to experience. Also we get more of the shrunken head guy from the original film which was really great to see.
The film pays homage to the original at every turn, finding ways to integrate so much of what made the first film such a classic. Now if I was going to attempt to pick the film apart or at the very least point out something that may disappoint some of the more hardcore fans, it is much more of a goofy comedy compared to the original film. The original never really felt like as much of a goofy comedy to me because it always had this gothic undertone to it, but BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE leans more to the comedy side of the street. I’m not saying this is a bad thing necessarily, but it is worth noting. With that being said, the screenplay does allow for a new antagonist as Beetlejuice finds himself in the awkward position as more of a good guy, just don’t tell him I said that.
From a technical standpoint obviously a film that came out 35 years later looks much better, but Tim Burton was sure to maintain the same style which was more over-the-top strange visuals and I’m glad he did. The film just looks like a Beetlejuice movie, complete with the cartoony sandworms and iconic model town, and even better than that it sounded like one. The soundtrack and score was amazing, including a few really great musical scenes with Beetlejuice that had me laughing my ass off.
Plus Burton goes deeper into the “afterlife” or whatever it is you want to call it which I thought was very cool, sort of going that much further to immerse viewers in the world of Beetlejuice. Plus I won’t spoil anything as usual, but let me just say that my favorite part of the film on the technical side of things involves a CGI baby. So good.
THE VERDICT
A nostalgic and hilarious trip down memory lane featuring a fun and immersive screenplay and the unique feel of the original film, BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE doesn’t miss a step reminding us why Michael Keaton is one of the best to ever do it. I honestly applaud everyone that worked on this film, Tim Burton in particular of course, for delivering a quality experience for hardcore fans like myself that simply does not disappoint.
If you enjoyed the original film do yourself a favor and see BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE in theaters as soon as you can.
TED TAKES RATING - 8.3/10
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.