The air in the cinema was thick with anticipation, crackling with a unique energy that only a long-awaited sequel can generate. Yesterday, a large group from work—my beloved professional cohort, my chosen everyday companions—gathered to experience a cinematic event decades in the making: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. And as the credits rolled, the collective sentiment was clear: we loved every second of it, mostly because of the nostalgia. But beyond that powerful pull of memory, did it stand on its own two spectral feet? My thoughts, as always, are nuanced, a blend of appreciation and candid critique.
The Long-Awaited Return: A Familiar Haunt Reopened
The original Beetlejuice (1988) is a bonafide classic, a Tim Burton masterpiece that introduced us to the anarchic, ghost-with-the-most, Betelgeuse (played with iconic madness by Michael Keaton). Its unique blend of gothic whimsy, dark humor, and practical effects created a singular atmosphere that imprinted itself on a generation. A sequel has been rumored and attempted for decades, so when Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) was finally announced with the original cast and director Tim Burton at the helm, the excitement was palpable. It felt like an old, beloved haunted house was finally reopening its doors.
The Good: A Cauldron of Nostalgia, Familiar Faces, and Visual Delights
The strength of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice lies almost entirely in its ability to tap into that deep well of affection for the original film, delivering a potent dose of nostalgia that, for fans like us, is a powerful elixir.
- Nostalgia as a Force Field: This movie understands its audience. It knows we’re there for the callbacks, the familiar aesthetic, and the chance to revisit characters we haven’t seen in 36 years. The film leans heavily into this, and for the most part, it works. The sheer joy of seeing Michael Keaton slip back into the role of Betelgeuse (yes, his character is now officially named that, and it’s delightful) is immense. He embodies the chaotic, lewd, and utterly hilarious energy of the character with effortless perfection. It’s like no time has passed.
- The Original Cast’s Undeniable Charm: Seeing Winona Ryder return as Lydia Deetz, now a mother navigating her own goth-adjacent daughter Astrid (played by Jenna Ortega), is a pure delight. Ryder brings that same melancholic, yet determined, energy to Lydia. And Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz is, as always, a scene-stealer, delivering her wonderfully pretentious and melodramatic lines with impeccable comedic timing. The chemistry between these returning actors is palpable, a warm familiarity that anchors the film. Their reunion felt like stepping into a comfortably eerie, beloved old room.
- Tim Burton’s Signature Style: The film is visually a pure Tim Burton spectacle. It’s gothic, whimsical, quirky, and filled with the kind of eccentric practical effects and dark humor that defined his best work. The design of the Neitherworld, the grotesque yet charming creatures, and the overall aesthetic are vintage Burton, leaning into the unique atmosphere that made the original so beloved. It felt like his vision was completely uncompromised, delivering exactly what fans crave visually.
- Jenna Ortega as Astrid: While the returning cast is the star, Jenna Ortega, as Lydia’s daughter Astrid, is a fantastic addition. She brings a fresh, grounded energy, balancing skepticism with a growing connection to the supernatural. Her performance is sharp, witty, and perfectly captures the sardonic humor required for the Beetlejuice universe. Her dynamic with Keaton and Ryder is compelling, hinting at a promising future for the franchise.
For all these reasons, my work group and I loved every second of it. The laughter was constant, the shared glances of “Oh my God, they did it!” were frequent, and the overall feeling was one of profound, giddy satisfaction. It delivered on the promise of pure, unadulterated nostalgia, a familiar warmth in a changing climate.
The Bad: A Few Lingering Spirits and Narrative Cobwebs
However, an honest review demands acknowledging that while the film soared on the wings of nostalgia, it wasn’t entirely without its narrative cobwebs and minor spectral issues.
- Plot Over-Reliance on Familiarity: While nostalgia is its strength, it’s also a subtle weakness. The plot, at times, feels a bit too reliant on callbacks and re-treads of the original’s formula. It doesn’t always carve out enough truly new narrative ground, relying on the audience’s existing affection to paper over moments where the story might feel a little thin or predictable. It’s less a groundbreaking storm and more a familiar drizzle.
- Supporting Character Underutilization: Some of the new supporting characters, while fun, felt a bit underdeveloped or underutilized. They served their purpose within the plot, but didn’t quite achieve the iconic status of the original’s quirky ensemble.
- Pacing Issues (Minor): Occasionally, the pacing felt a little uneven, with some sections dragging slightly before picking up speed again. It wasn’t enough to derail the enjoyment, but noticeable to a keen eye.
The Verdict: A Ghoulishly Good Time, Fueled by Affection
Ultimately, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a triumph of nostalgic comfort and visual artistry. It’s a film that understands what made its predecessor a beloved classic and delivers a modern take that honors its roots without trying to completely reinvent the wheel. It’s funny, visually inventive, and deeply satisfying for fans.
This movie isn’t trying to be high art or a profound philosophical statement. It’s a ghoulishly good time, a loving tribute to a unique cinematic universe, and a testament to the enduring appeal of its iconic characters. For me and my work family, it was the perfect shared experience, a collective embrace of the bizarre, the macabre, and the delightfully chaotic. We loved every second because it reminded us of the pure, unadulterated joy of its original magic, and provided a fresh, new reason to gather, laugh, and celebrate. It’s a clear winner in the realm of comfort viewing, a welcome return to a beloved fictional landscape.
Did you see Beetlejuice Beetlejuice? What were your thoughts on its return? Did it live up to the hype for you? Share your thoughts below – let’s keep this Screen Nectar Sips generating powerful discussions about cinematic reunions!