In all honesty, my expectations for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice were low. I remember liking the original as a kid, but I rarely rewatch movies older than 20 years. Hereâs why: movies are often tied to the generation that made them. We evolve, and ofttimes we outgrow them. Only a handful earn the title âtimelessâ (think Schindlerâs List). Others thrive on pure nostalgia, like The Matrix or the original Star Wars trilogy, where their cultural impact transcends the years.
But I digress. Tim Burton has delivered some truly great filmsâBatman, Sleepy Hollow, and yes, even his take on Planet of the Apes (despite its flop status). However, since Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Iâve been less enthusiasticâuntil Wednesday came along. That show gave me hope, and with it, a glimmer of optimism for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
The story here is serviceable, but if youâve been a loyal Tim Burton fan, this is absolutely a must-watch. Burtonâs eccentricities arenât always my cup of tea, but they shine here in ways that make this sequel feel special. Even if youâre not a diehard fan, this movie is worth seeing. The original Beetlejuice was iconic, and this follow-up is a very solid sequel.
The cast is fantastic. Winona Ryder, Catherine OâHara, and Michael Keaton are as delightful as ever, but Jenna Ortega is the standoutâexactly what this movie needed. And letâs talk about the Soul Train sequence: an absolutely brilliant addition that elevated the filmâs quirky energy.
In the end, while this movie wonât likely nab any Oscars, what it accomplishesâreviving a nearly 40-year-old franchiseâis commendable. Itâs a solid film that sets a benchmark for how to resurrect beloved stories with care and flair.
