DIRECTOR: Tim Burton
PRODUCERS: Tim Burton & Tommy Harper & Jeremy Kleiner & Dedee Gardner
& Marc Toberoff
WRITERS: Alfred Gough & Miles Miller & Seth Grahame-Smith
PERFORMERS: Michael Keaton Winona Ryder Catherine O'Hara Justin Theroux
Monica Belluci with Jenny Ortega and Willem Dafoe
It's been a very, very long time coming... but it's finally here! The ghost with the most has returned and there's no time like the present. In 1988, film audiences were introduced to a new kind of ghoul and since then, been embedded in their minds. He was a villain, a prankster, and a wild being, however you want to put it, but somehow likeable. And when you say his name three times, we all know what happens next. Now, with this review there's only one thing left to say... It's showtime!
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice takes place more than 30 years later after the original entered into theaters. The original was unlike anything ever seen or unheard of, made independently, used practical effects and had a storyline way beyond the unnatural. Here, this takes on those same roots but in today's standards. The Deetz family has returned to their former town for the funeral of one's passing, but when a young girl tampers with the living world and the dead world, there's only one thing to do... call him up (by saying his name three times in row)!
The return of Michael Keaton in his titular role is especially essential to the film and the portrayal of the character himself... Absolutely uncanny. You're hooked on him with every single moment he's on screen and in makeup, and you cannot take your eyes off him. Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara also return for their comedic parts, but with more to live up to. Jenny Ortega, however, is the real star of the show as she slowly evolves into this very angry person to open minded as the themes of broken families, estrangements, new temptations and relationships play a vital role in her growth. From getting involved with the afterlife, chasing after her already deceased father, it's one thing after another. When Beetlejuice gets involved, you never know what's going to happen.
For the story, easy to follow unlike the original. the writing is clear in detail and the arcs (particularly Ortega and Ryder) are not that hard to follow. Still, the gags are the same and so is the humor. Keaton delivers and succeeds in every way, like he never lost his touch. Director Tim Burton delivers as well, a well-crafted sequel that took such a long time to get off the ground. Not only does he return to the world of the gothic and misunderstood, but he also brings more in-depth to the growth as far as how much time has gone by since we saw these characters last. Perhaps the absence of both Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis were a certain casualty for the downfall of the sequel, but that doesn't make the story worth dismissing. After all, in the afterlife nothing on earth is forever.
I feel that the team comprised of Burton, Keaton, Ryder, O'Hara and composer Danny Elfman really attributed to this sequel's improvement over the last film. Though this has big shoes to fill, who knows what lasting impact this will have in future years to come. Whether or not this reaches cult classic status, there's a big chance this will be talked about for a long time. Given the phenomenon this has reached, this could be the beginning of a beautiful revival. Who knows, maybe a third film (don't say the name three times!) may be possible. Until then, anyone who's still alive and have not seen this yet slightly recommended. Worth the watch if you grew up watching the first or for the character himself.
MY RATING: 4 out of 5
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