A Nice Companion Piece ("Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" Review)

 The original "Beetlejuice" was only the second film from visionary Tim Burton, but it laid out the style that would be his signature. Led with a magnificent, otherworldly performance from the legendary Michael Keaton and showcasing the future IT girl Winona Ryder (also her second film), the film would use many genres yet belong to none of them. It is a BEETLEJUICE movie. This film would also spawn a cartoon show and toys, giving even more '80's nostalgia to the franchise, though it doesn't have an '80's vibe. Again...a BEETLEJUICE movie.

So to the delight of Beetlejuice fans, Tim Burton fans, and all around weirdos (in the most loving way possible), 2024 would see the return of 'The Ghost With The Most' in movie theaters. And after 36 years, there indeed would be expectations.

After seeing the film I was eager to see what other people thought and I quickly went online to see the reviews. And social media did not disappoint. However, some moviegoers were indeed disappointed. It really didn't seem to be a middle road with this one. You either loved it, or you hated it. But I pride myself as being the middle road. And I can say honestly that I understand where both stand.

Here's the thing...

The original, as I had stated before, is an '80's film that doesn't feel like an '80's film. Or a film of its time at all. And that's why many people, I imagine, love the film. It's TIMELESS. It takes place in that lovely town of Winter River, Connecticut, which seems barely untouched by time. And the otherworldly elements are fantastical and also timeless. The new film from time to time breaks that and it feels more modern than would be expected. And as much as I support the new IT girl Jenna Ortega, when she's in the film and interacting with previous and current characters, it doesn't have the feel of that world. Once you get to the character of Beetlejuice himself he quickly changes that and you're transported back to the wild and wacky world of the Tim Burton afterlife. So I can see why some may not be fine with the pacing of the film, since it sometimes seems jarring when connecting multiple storylines. 

But at the same time once it ramps up and goes full Beetlejuice it's amazing. There are genuine laughs and the world building is once again a fantastic spectacle. 

So sure...it's a tall order to get on par with, much less TOP the original. Some have said that they enjoy it MORE. Some are just happy to have a part two. Some were let down. But I have to say it is indeed a lovely companion piece to the original. I'm just happy that we have it. And being that the first film was jarringly weird and hard to swallow in its day, I'm sure that in the years to come I will like this film even MORE!