Tim Burton is a film director, producer, writer, and artist noted for his work in gothic horror, fantasy, and blockbuster films. The one and only Tim Burton has become known for visually stunning films that combine fantasy and horror themes, such as Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Batman, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
On September 6, 2024, a sequel for Burton’s beloved film “Beetlejuice” was created titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”, one of his newest creations other than the ongoing series of Wednesday. And while I have admired his movies and the films he helped direct, it was shocking to see the man who has once said that, “Like in the case of The Nightmare Before Christmas and Beetlejuice, they asked me to do sequels, and I just said, ‘No.’ I wanted to keep the integrity of those particular things.”
Words that come to haunt him after watching his newest work that received a 77% on Rotten Tomatoes. Tim Burton emphasized how the franchise was a “very personal project” for him. Although it certainly follows his line of projects before creating a sense of comedic effect that merges with the horror aspect that perfectly compliments the original. Well-known and popular actors and actresses who returned to reprise include Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara. And many more new faces to the sequel, like Jenna Ortega, Willem Dafoe, Danny DeVito, and more.
I appreciate the way it upholds certain character dynamics, incorporating new ones that have emerged over the course of the film’s timeline. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice brings back that same whimsical, fun energy from the first. With its striking visuals, humorous soundtrack, and moments of pure magic, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a worthy follow-up. Mixed media including animation, claymation, puppets, and practical effects, with little to no CGI. My biggest praise for the movie is how handmade it felt. Sure, CGI can create impressive shots, but there’s something about the use of practical effects that is both pioneering and refreshing in an age of CGI overload. And, while I enjoyed Beetlejuice Beetlejuice as a sequel, it was not a perfect image of a film as a whole. In some parts, the plot seemed to move quickly. There were too many new characters introduced only to be killed off seconds later—old love interests, new love interests, and love triangles—the number of relationships crammed into one film left my mind reeling.
Overall, I give Beetlejuice an 8.5/10. Despite being fairly predictable and overcrowded with characters, it’s a far superior film to many of the films in theaters this year, and it makes for an enjoyable trip to the movies with friends and family. The sequel is enjoyable for both new and old fans, returning to the whimsical world introduced in the first film.
