Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Movie Review

When Beetlejuice first hit theaters in 1988, it brought a unique blend of gothic charm, eccentric humor, and imaginative visuals. Now, in 2024, the much-anticipated sequel has arrived with a top-notch cast of legacy characters and new blood. It successfully taps into that same quirky energy. It’s not without a few hiccups. Minimal hiccups.

A Story That Drags… But Only Slightly

Let’s start with the story. The movie revisits the familiar world of the “ghost with the most,” in the afterlife where Beetlejuice is managing a call center offering The Juice’s services as a bio-exorcist, but the plot feels like it stalls at times. While the original film was a tightly woven dark comedy, the 2024 sequel seems to stretch its narrative a little thin. Some scenes drag on longer than they need to, with subplots that could have been more concise. Subplots that would be mostly used in an 8 episode series and not 1 hour and 44 minute film. Despite that, the core story of family, hauntings, and hijinks eventually ties together in a satisfying way. But you might find yourself checking your watch once or twice. I had to watch it a few times to grasp all the tediousness of the plot. Not only as a lifelong fan of Tim Burton himself but because I’m a sucker for nostalgia movies and dark comedy.

The Humor

What the movie lacks in pacing, it more than makes up for with humor. Beetlejuice himself, once again portrayed by Michael Keaton, steals every scene with his chaotic and irreverent antics. His crude, over-the-top one-liners are as funny as ever, and the supporting cast adds plenty of witty dialog and charm, and these jokes fly by fast so you got to be quick. The humor ranges from dark and edgy to silly and slapstick, hitting the sweet spot for fans of the original while still feeling fresh for a new audience.

Whether it’s Beetlejuice’s trademark banter or the uniqely awkward interactions between the living and the dead, the film’s comedy keeps it lively and engaging. You’ll find yourself laughing even when the story slows down, and my personal favorie is the “spill your guts” gag when Lydia and her finance Rory get transported into the model after Rory made the mistake of calling Beetlejuice’s name 3 times.

Stop-Motion Over CGI

On this note, I tip my hat to Mr. Burton for keeping his signature style of effects. One of the film’s boldest choices is its commitment to practical effects, specifically stop-motion animation, rather than relying on modern CGI. In an era where computer-generated effects dominate the big screen, the return to old-school stop-motion adds a layer of charm and nostalgia to the film. The surreal, quirky designs that were so memorable in the original, like the bizarre inhabitants of the afterlife and Beetlejuice’s wild transformations are brought to life in a way that feels tangible and true to Tim Burton’s unique style.

Though it may look a little dated to younger viewers, the stop-motion effects are undeniably satisfying. They lend a handmade, imaginative quality to the world, making it feel as weird and creepy as ever.

Closure Point

Despite a story that could have used a tighter edit, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is still a highly enjoyable ride. The humor lands perfectly, Michael Keaton is as energetic as ever in his iconic role, and the decision to use stop-motion effects gives the film a distinctive charm. If you loved the original, there’s plenty to enjoy here, and for newcomers, it’s a fun, offbeat adventure into a supernatural world.

Overall, Beetlejuice 2024 may not be a perfect sequel, but it’s a very good one packed with laughs, visual creativity, and just the right amount of bizarre. A chapter that new and old fans a like can appreciate and enjoy together.

“Later fucker”