One of the exasperating aspects of modern cinema trailers is their tendency to lay bare the entire plot, replete with the best lines and most thrilling stunts, all within a fleeting two-minute promo. However, this problem does not plague “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the anticipated sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 critically acclaimed and commercially successful movie. The trailer, which has been tantalizing audiences for what feels like an eternity, superbly fulfills its role, teasing the viewer with glimpses of the cinematic treats in store.
The film reintroduces us to Lydia (Winona Ryder), the Goth teenager from the original film who possesses the ability to see dead people. She almost married the politically incorrect ghost and bio-exorcist Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton) back in 1988. Fast forward to the present day, Lydia now helm’s a popular show called “Ghost House,” where she explores and documents haunted houses. Herein lies a twist: her rebellious daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), is deeply skeptical of her mother’s ghostly visions, particularly because Lydia is unable to perceive the ghost of her husband and Astrid’s father, Richard (Santiago Cabrera).
In Lydia’s life, there’s an emotional entanglement with her producer, Rory (Justin Theroux), yet the spectral presence of Betelgeuse looms large, manifesting even in the audience during the taping of her shows. A pivotal moment transpires with the death of Lydia’s father, Charles, compelling the Deetz women—Lydia, her eccentric stepmother Delia (Catherine O’Hara), and Astrid—to return to the original house in Winter River that started it all. Meanwhile, in the afterlife, Betelgeuse faces peril as he is hunted by his malevolent ex-wife Delores (Monica Bellucci), a soul-siphoning witch responsible for poisoning him during the plague.
Astrid, resentful of her circumstances, finds solace by forging a new friendship with Jeremy (Arthur Conti), a young boy who immerses himself in literature, particularly Dostoevsky, from his treehouse. With Halloween just around the corner, a series of compelling events are poised to unfold. These include Lydia’s marriage to Rory set to happen at the witching hour, attended by select influencers and a Netflix executive.
. Astrid and Jeremy make plans to hang out and distribute candy to trick-or-treaters, while Delia captures haunting screams for her latest grief-themed art installation.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” provides a smorgasbord of delights, artistically and narratively. The film’s visual design is a glorious spectacle, embodying Tim Burton’s unique style and creativity. Keaton reprises his role as Betelgeuse with a mesmerizing, unrestrained energy. Ryder’s evolution from a lost Goth girl to a similarly lost Goth mother is poignantly portrayed, and O’Hara is unforgettable as the avant-garde artist Delia.
The addition of new cast members injects vibrant doses of excitement, with Monica Bellucci’s performance as the villainous Delores earning special commendation. Noteworthy mentions also include Willem Dafoe’s portrayal of Wolf Jackson, a B-movie star channeling the essence of a hard-boiled detective straight out of a Dashiell Hammett novel, and Danny DeVito’s humorous role as an ill-fated janitor who encounters Delores.
The film’s visual creativity knows no bounds, evident in the inventive depictions of the afterlife, like the bureaucratic chaos and the Soul Train to the Great Beyond that whimsically resembles a train embodying the spirit of African American music. The diverse visual styles—from classic black-and-white sequences illustrating the tragic love story of Betelgeuse and Delores to the animated narrative of Charles’s unfortunate demise (an elaborate misfortune involving a plane crash, submersion, and a shark decapitation)—add layers of psychedelic brilliance to the movie.
In summary, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” delivers a delightful sequel, with enough charm and visual wonder to make the 36-year anticipation worth every moment. The film is not just a nostalgic callback but a richly satisfying continuation, capturing the essence of the original while adding novel dimensions to its quirky universe.
Currently showcasing in theatres, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” promises to charm and thrill audiences with its mix of dark humor and spellbinding creativity. Don’t miss this opportunity to revisit the darkly humorous world of Betelgeuse and Lydia, as well as an array of new, fascinating characters.
Published – September 06, 2024, 05:20 pm IST
English cinema / World cinema
