I met Michael Keaton in 2022 at an awards ceremony, he was wonderful to speak with. Photo Credit: Sarah Knight Adamson
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” is the sequel to the original 1988 film “Beetlejuice,” with Tim Burton returning as director and Michael Keaton reprising his role as the beloved Beetlejuice. Keaton shines throughout the film with his nuanced performance, bringing the character to life with subtle gestures and expressions that evoke laughter and applause from the audience. In many ways, this movie outshines the original as Keaton’s presence is prominent from start to finish, and he exceeds all expectations with his portrayal of Beetlejuice.
The script by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar brings back familiar faces from the original cast and introduces Jenna Ortega as Astrid, the daughter of Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder). The story begins with Delia (Catherine O’Hara) informing Lydia about her father’s death, with an interesting use of stop-motion animation to explain the character’s fate. However, this part of the movie felt a bit lengthy, especially since Jeffrey Jones, who played Charles in the original, is not part of the film due to past controversies. Despite this, his character’s face is shown several times, which I found excessive, and another actor was hired to voice him.
As for Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis, who played Adam and Barbara Maitland, Lydia reveals that they have found a way to move on permanently, although new characters are introduced. The main plot unfolds as Lydia summons Beetlejuice to help with her daughter’s supernatural troubles, leading to an unexpected alliance between them. Alongside Lydia’s engaging storyline, Beetlejuice also navigates his own challenges, including evading his vengeful ex-wife, played by Monica Bellucci, adding another layer of intrigue to the plot.
The introduction of new characters, like Lydia’s fiancé Rory (played by Justin Theroux) and Willem Dafoe’s dual roles, adds to the film’s quirky and entertaining nature. Burton expands on the visually stunning Afterlife, presenting creative and inventive set designs that constantly change, providing comedic opportunities. The film cleverly weaves three major plot threads together, each captivating in its own right. Danny Elfman’s score perfectly complements the film, heightening its enchanting qualities. Overall, “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” offers a multi-layered and compelling experience that warrants multiple viewings.
Sarah Knight Adamson© September 9, 2024