By Shalin Damacharla ’27
Beetlejuice 2 is a wild ride back into the zany, off-kilter world Tim Burton introduced us to more than 30 years ago. The original Beetlejuice has become such a cult classic that any attempt to revive the mischievous, manic energy of the first film was bound to stir up excitement—and thankfully, Beetlejuice 2 delivers in spades. Burton, along with key returning cast members, manages to recapture much of the oddball charm that made the original so beloved, while also offering a few new twists to keep things feeling fresh.
The movie picks up years after the events of the original, with Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) now an adult, struggling with the complexities of life after everything she’s been through. Ryder’s return as Lydia is a delight. She embodies the same goth, deadpan humor that we loved in the first film but with an added layer of maturity and emotional depth. It’s clear that Lydia has grown up, but she hasn’t completely shaken her connection to the strange and supernatural. When a new paranormal disturbance enters her life, she finds herself once again calling on the chaotic Beetlejuice for help, and Michael Keaton’s return to the role is nothing short of electrifying.
Keaton’s performance as Beetlejuice feels like he never left. His irreverence, manic energy, and fourth-wall-breaking antics are as sharp as ever. From the moment he reappears on screen, he steals every scene with his unpredictable, outrageous behavior. The chemistry between Keaton and Ryder is just as strong this time around, adding both humor and heart to the story. Their dynamic is more complex now, reflecting the passage of time and Lydia’s growth as a character.
As for the plot, Beetlejuice 2 strikes a balance between paying homage to the original and introducing new, compelling elements. Lydia is once again caught between the world of the living and the dead, but this time, the stakes are higher and the ghostly dangers more intense. The film dives deeper into the mythology of the Netherworld, expanding on the strange bureaucratic afterlife we glimpsed in the first movie. There’s a fresh batch of bizarre spirits and supernatural beings that bring new life to the story, while familiar faces from the original also make welcome appearances.
Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. Tim Burton’s signature gothic style is front and center, with elaborate sets and costumes that ooze eerie charm. The world of Beetlejuice has always been a blend of the macabre and the whimsical, and this sequel cranks that up to eleven. From the warped, twisted architecture to the surreal, dreamlike Netherworld scenes, the movie is packed with Burton’s distinct visual flair. There’s a strong sense of nostalgia in the design, with plenty of callbacks to the original, but it never feels like a retread. Instead, the film feels like a natural evolution of Burton’s vision.
However, Beetlejuice 2 does have its share of flaws. While the pacing is generally solid, there are moments where the film drags, particularly in the middle when it feels like it’s trying too hard to recapture the magic of the first film. Some of the humor also doesn’t land as well as it did in 1988, with a few jokes feeling a bit forced or overly self-referential. That said, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise an engaging and entertaining film.
The film’s themes of life, death, and legacy are also handled with more nuance than in the original. Lydia’s struggle with her identity as someone who has one foot in the world of the living and the other in the afterlife is explored more deeply. Her emotional arc gives the movie more weight, grounding the supernatural chaos in real human feelings. Burton manages to touch on these themes without ever losing the film’s playful tone, which is no easy feat.
The supporting cast also deserves praise. Newcomers to the Beetlejuice universe blend seamlessly with the returning characters, and they bring their own brand of quirky energy to the film. Their interactions with Keaton’s Beetlejuice create some of the movie’s funniest and most memorable moments. Even though the film is centered around Lydia and Beetlejuice, the side characters help flesh out the world and add layers to the story.
Danny Elfman’s score once again sets the perfect tone for the film. His music, with its eerie, carnival-like melodies, is instantly recognizable and enhances the spooky, whimsical atmosphere. Elfman’s score works hand in hand with the film’s visual style to create a truly immersive experience.
In terms of special effects, Beetlejuice 2 strikes a great balance between practical effects and CGI. Burton wisely leans into the tactile, handmade feel of the original with plenty of practical effects that give the movie a charming, old-school vibe. The CGI is used sparingly but effectively, helping to expand the scope of the afterlife without overshadowing the more tangible effects.
In the end, Beetlejuice 2 doesn’t quite reach the iconic status of its predecessor, but it’s a worthy sequel that manages to recapture much of the original’s offbeat charm. It’s clear that Tim Burton and his cast have a deep love for these characters and this world, and that love shines through in every frame. For fans of the first film, Beetlejuice 2 is a welcome return to a delightfully weird and wonderful world, and for newcomers, it offers a fun and accessible entry point into the bizarre adventures of the ghost with the most.
Overall, Beetlejuice 2 is a fun, nostalgic ride that doesn’t shy away from embracing its weirdness. While it may not hit every note perfectly, it has enough heart, humor, and Burtonesque flair to make it a thoroughly enjoyable watch. If you loved the first film, this sequel will feel like catching up with an old, wonderfully strange friend.
Film Rating:
- Plot: 7/10
- Characters: 8/10
- Acting: 9/10
- Cinematography: 8/10
- Directing: 8/10
- Editing: 7/10
- Score: 9/10
- Themes/Messages: 7/10
- Emotion: 8/10
- Entertainment Value: 8/10
Overall Score: 79%