Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice: Tim Burton’s film review
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, making its return after 36 years, is featured out of competition at the 81st Venice Film Festival. Tim Burton’s iconic "rude little spirit" is back in cinemas in Italy starting September 5, 2024.
Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice is back and better than ever. Returning over three decades later, Burton revives his iconic “politically incorrect” spirit with a fresh and dazzling touch. The film not only reunites a talented cast, including a standout Michael Keaton, but also captures a unique blend of humor and chaos that might just earn Burton his second Oscar. Here our review.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, The Plot
The story follows the Deetz family, who return to Winter River after a family tragedy. Lydia’s life is turned upside down when her rebellious daughter, Astrid, accidentally opens the portal to the afterlife. With trouble brewing in both worlds, it’s only a matter of time before Beetlejuice returns to stir up his signature mayhem…
Beetlejuice, Winona Ryder alias Lidia Deez e Michael Keaton (Beetlejuice)
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, The Review
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!” We say it three times -even though we know we shouldn’t- hoping that Tim Burton will continue with a third sequel in the series. The film’s ending, featuring both nightmares of Beetlejuice’s return and an unconventional new generation, leaves us feeling hopeful. At the Venice 81 press conference, Tim Burton appeared all smiles, clearly confident that he’s found his creative spark once again.
“It’s been a while since I’ve felt this way,” Burton shared. “Lately, I’ve been quite disappointed with the film industry and felt a bit lost. I needed to create something from the heart, and that’s something you can only do with people you love”. It’s not about budgets or money; it’s simply a conversation among friends (Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder) who enthusiastically embraced the idea of diving into the unknown once again.
The film was made with the same spirit as the original and in roughly the same timeframe, but as the director noted, there was a need for fresh character development and improvisation from the actors. The protagonists have evolved organically over the years, giving the impression that we left them only yesterday.
Beetlejuice, Jenna Ortega alias Astrid Deez
The characters are more mature, defined, emotional and Keaton’s performance as Beetlejuice is nothing short of extraordinary. His irreverent charm and magnetic presence are even more captivating than they were in the ’80s. He channels a mix of Jim Carrey in The Mask (not coincidentally, there’s a scene with bulging eyes that calls it to mind), and Jack Nicholson’s Joker in Batman (Keaton, after all, was his alter ego), delivering an Oscar-worthy performance.
The seamless chemistry between Keaton and Burton (like The Persuaders) is bolstered by both familiar and fresh talent: the returning Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, plus rising stars like Jenna Ortega, Willem Dafoe, and Monica Bellucci, who plays the wicked Dolores, Beetlejuice’s ex-wife.
With Dolores, Burton crafts a fascinating mix of dark charm, part fairy-tale witch, part Anjelica Huston’s Morticia Addams from Barry Sonnenfeld’s The Addams Family. The iconic “body reconstruction” scene, with its striking use of scars, subtly nods to Death Becomes Her (1992), directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn.
Beetlejuice – Dolores alias Monica Bellucci
This sequel packs an even bigger punch than the original, urging audiences to look beyond the laughs and reflect on themes of time and relationships. “I want to let go of the past; I’d rather make new memories than be haunted by old ones”, says Winona Ryder’s character as she embraces her new life and moves past the demonic spirit’s influence. The final church scene is particularly striking, as everyone gets caught up—not by Beetlejuice, but by their own obsession and narcissism reflected in their phone screens. Tim Burton’s vision for this film is instinctual: while paying homage to the past, he masterfully captures the essence of the present.
Even the main character, who was once known for promoting himself in ’80s infomercials, has grown into a charismatic self-promoter. And it’s not just this nostalgic touch that Burton has kept; he’s also preserved other elements that keep the film’s unique atmosphere alive. The film’s visual style hearkens back to the practical effects of the original, avoiding the CGI-heavy approach of modern cinema. Burton’s dedication to creating a tangible, immersive experience is evident in every scene, paying homage to the filmmaking (Spielberg, Burton) style of the ’80s and ’90s.
Willem Dafoe, who joined the cast as Wolf Jackson, praises Burton’s creative energy: “Making a film with Tim Burton means stepping into his world and sharing his vision, it’s pure energy”.
Beetlejuice, Willem Dafoe alias Wolf Jackson
With a mix of returning favorites and new talent, Beetlejuice offers a fresh take on a beloved classic, proving once again that Burton’s cinematic magic remains unmatched.
Beetlejuice, Cast
Michael Keaton: Beetlejuice
Winona Ryder: Lydia Deetz
Catherine O’Hara: Delia Deetz
Jenna Ortega: Astrid Deetz
Monica Bellucci: Delores
Willem Dafoe: Wolf Jackson
Justin Theroux: Rory
Burn Gorman: reverendo
Beetlejuice, Official Trailer
What do you think? Will you be going to see Beetlejuice Beetlejuice? Follow us atLaScimmiaPensa for more updates and insights!
