The long awaited sequel to the 80’s classic film feels more conventional than its predecessor but still has plenty of quirky charm to it that makes for entertaining viewing.
It is always difficult for a sequel to live up to the original and with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, director Tim Burton has done a solid job – even adding a stronger emotional core that gives the story and characters extra depth. But it feels as though it battles against being more conventional alongside the quirkiness that the original Beetlejuice is known for.
Taking place years after the original, the film sees Lydia Deetz forced to ask for help from Beetlejuice – the same demon “bio-exorcist” who tormented her family all those years ago – to help rescue her teenage and resentful daughter from the afterlife (as she is desperate to see her dad again, who passed away in a tragic accident). As well as the quirky and imaginative scenes in afterlife, this is actually a surprisingly poignant film about grief, mother and daughter relationships and confronting fears that keep the audience invested in the plot. Subplots also include the arrival of Dolores, Beetlejuice’s ex-wife who is hell-bent on revenge, Lydia’s relationship with her manager and partner Rory and Astrid trying to find her way in the wake of her father’s death.
This being said, there are moments structurally in the script that feel as though the direction in which the film wants to go is in a constant battle with itself – the eccentricity vs conventional sides.
Yet despite this, it is hard not to feel that this sequel will stand stronger than the original because it doesn’t have quite the same dated edge that the original does now and feels a little bit more open. The reason for this is that the characters both original and new feel well developed and it is hard not to be invested in the outcome for their characters – particularly with the surprises in store.
There is plenty of zip and energy to the film that really comes to life in the scenes set in the afterlife (full credit to the team who worked on the production design, make up and hair for bringing that zany side to the film so brilliantly to life). As you would expect from a Tim Burton film, these are the scenes that stand out the most. Some of the CGI effects (particularly in the way in which what happened to Lydia’s father is showcased) feels a little bit iffy but these moments are fleeting an easily got past. There is more that the film gets right than it does wrong.
This is helped by some fabulous performances from the cast. It is a pleasure to see Catherine O’Hara revisiting her character Delia, just as passionate about doing quirky things in the world of art, offering a little more softer and compassionate portrayal which really works in developing the character’s relationship with Lydia.
Winona Ryder shows a more vulnerable side to Lydia and has a great character arc to get her back to the way she used to be.
In terms of the new additions to the cast, it is clear to see that Willem Defoe is having the time of his life as Wolf Jackson and it is a real shame that we don’t get to see more of Monica Bellucci’s chilling portrayal of Delores. But at the centre of it all, Michael Keaton is clearly relishing the opportunity to reprise his performance as the despicable Beetlejuice and has some of the best moments in the film (understandably so!).
Perhaps die-hard fans of the original won’t be so thrilled at the direction that this film takes story wise, but this one is still as plenty of fun as the original and so is worth a watch.
By Emma Clarendon
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is available to buy now.
Rating : ❤️❤️❤️❤️