Keaton Kills It as OG Cast Return To the Afterlife - BeetleJuice BeetleJuice Review

BeetleJuice BeetleJuice promises to deliver on all aspects Tim Burton, but does it live up to the level of the first movie, even with the OG cast?

Beetlejuice is a classic—iconic, even. It's one of those movies I can watch again and again without ever getting bored. Tim Burton crafted a masterful piece of cinema with the original, so, like many fans, I felt a bit anxious when the sequel was announced. Bringing back the OG cast alongside some new faces was exciting but risky. From the trailers and promos, the plot looked chaotic and offbeat—but that's the essence of Tim Burton's work: embracing the craziness. I’m here to confirm that this film was a great watch - even with its flaws.

Even though it's set 30 years later with a different story, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice perfectly captures the world built by the original film. Tim Burton, known for his love of traditional filmmaking techniques, keeps the nostalgic charm alive by using stop-motion for the sandworms, paying homage to his earlier work. The movie's aesthetic feels comfortably familiar, seamlessly connecting the two films and capturing the hearts of older, nostalgic audiences. The setting and expansion of Winter River is simply amazing.

Image: Forbes

The cast is outstanding, with the return of the OG crew being the standout element for me. Michael Keaton's portrayal of Beetlejuice is so unique, it’s hard to imagine anyone else stepping into the role. He’s creepy, demonic, and yet hilariously cunning—managing to bring back the same rude, trickster spirit while remaining completely obsessed with Lydia. Speaking of Lydia, Winona Ryder shines in this sequel. Her character finally gets the backstory and storyline she deserves, balancing a great comedic presence with the personal struggles we see her wrestle with throughout the film.

Catherine O’Hara is the standout from the OG cast for me, delivering a phenomenal performance as Delia Deetz. She had the audience laughing the most during my screening, proving that even after stepping away from a role, you can return and play it to perfection. Her chemistry with Winona Ryder is spot-on, and they bounce off each other brilliantly in this film.

Image: Glamour UK

The new cast additions elevate the movie to new heights. Jenna Ortega shines as Astrid Deetz, bringing an emotionally raw depth that’s refreshing in a film built on scares and fun. Her scenes with Winona Ryder are fantastic, with Jenna playing the typical skeptical teen—though with her own deeper reasons for not believing in the paranormal. She's bound to be a fan favourite, with a lot of the younger demographic being able to relate to her in a certain aspect. Justin Theroux also stands out as Rory, Winona Ryder’s partner. His hilarious dialogue and surprising role in driving the plot make him shine in every scene, much like Catherine O’Hara, sparking plenty of laughter.

The story is fun and highly enjoyable, especially how every character becomes intertwined in the main plot. However, my main issue lies with the underuse of Monica Bellucci and Willem Dafoe and some side plots that lacked development. When Willem Dafoe is cast, you expect a fantastic performance, and while he’s brilliant and witty in his limited screen time, his character lacks a strong story foundation. The same goes for Monica Bellucci as Delores. Her backstory with Beetlejuice is intriguing, but her role is cut short and left underdeveloped. Both characters needed more screen time to fully succeed, which this film failed to provide. Their side plots feel undercooked compared to those of Delia and Rory. A slightly longer runtime could have helped flesh out these characters and their stories.

Image: Cosmopolitan

Overall, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a fun, entertaining watch, with the OG cast seamlessly blending with the newcomers to elevate the film beyond its flaws. It’s witty, humorous, and creepy in all the right ways, delivering fantastic fan service for those who have cherished the original for over 30 years.

Rating: ★★★.3/5