Oh man, ready to say his name thrice and risk chaotic consequences? Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) digs up Tim Burton’s cult classic 36 years later, bringing back the king of the undead shenanigans…Michael Keaton as the one and only Betelgeuse.
This time, Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) is a brooding mom dealing with loss, her chaotic family, and visions of her old supernatural “friend.” Enter daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega), who’s just goth enough to summon the dead herself. But does this long-awaited sequel actually resurrect the magic…or just bury it under fan service? Let’s find out!!!
What’s Good?
Chemistry – A Chaotic Cocktail:
Michael Keaton? Still got it. He’s pure haunted house energy, blending grotesque charm with slapstick mischief. Winona Ryder brings the emotional gravitas of Lydia’s arc…she’s no longer the weird teen but a grieving mother holding her sanity together with eyeliner. Jenna Ortega, as Astrid, channels a younger Lydia but with that sharp Gen Z snark. Their interactions sparkle, even if the script’s doing the most.
Visuals – Burton’s Back, Baby!
Oh girl, the aesthetic? Gorg. Creepy claymation creatures, puppet-style visuals, and haunted house interiors serve up Tim Burton’s signature dark whimsy.
The afterlife realm is expanded…think underworld DMV meets carnival fever dream.
Music – Possessed by the Beat:
The music slaps. There’s a new spin on Elfman’s iconic score, some catchy numbers, and even a possessed dance sequence to match the OG.
It’s fan service, yes, but tasty fan service.
Cast Cameos – Stack That Star Power:
From Catherine O’Hara’s fabulous return as Delia to Willem Dafoe’s ghost cop energy, the cast is packed.
Even Justin Theroux gives a quirky performance as Lydia’s awkward boyfriend. And Monica Bellucci? She could’ve ruled, if only they gave her more.
What’s Bad?
Plot: Spaghetti on the Wall Vibes
Let’s keep it real…it’s a hot plot mess. We’ve got Lydia’s grief, Betelgeuse’s ex-wife drama, Astrid’s summoning skills, and some soul-stealing shenanigans. Like, pick a lane! The script feels like five drafts mashed into one.
Pacing: Snail-Speed Sequel Energy
The first half? Snoozefest. The movie crawls until Betelgeuse makes his grand entrance…then suddenly, it’s chaos. The balance is off, and too much time is spent laying dull groundwork.
Fan Service Overload:
We get it, you loved the first one. But this sequel is a remix of moments we’ve already seen. Yes, there’s a new dance-possessed number. Yes, there are callbacks galore. But sometimes it feels less like a sequel and more like a haunted nostalgia tour.
Underused Characters:
Delores (Monica Bellucci) had the potential to be an iconic villainess. Instead? She barely exists. And the ghosts from part one? MIA. You had 36 years to bring them back with makeup or VFX, but they’re ghosted… literally.
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Worth Watching?
This movie is like buying vintage shoes…they look cute on display but may not be comfortable for a full walk. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a fun, flickering candle of gothic charm and chaotic energy, but it doesn’t burn bright enough to be unforgettable.
Like a glitter bomb in a graveyard…this sequel sparkles, stinks, and stirs drama all at once. It’s not a total trainwreck, but it’s not timeless either. Great visuals, killer casting, but the story? Meh. C’mon girl, if you’re going to wait 36 years, at least give us a haunting worth remembering!
Final Verdict
If you’re a fan of the original, go for the vibes. For everyone else? It might be background noise while you scroll. Like a ghost caught between worlds…it shows up loud, looks great, but disappears from memory faster than you can say Beetlejuice three times.
Ratings- 6.7 / 10 ⭐
Written By MANSI SINGH