Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has arrived, decades after the original cult classic charmed audiences with its quirky take on the afterlife. If you’re wondering “what is Beetlejuice Beetlejuice about?”, you’re not alone. Navigating the plot of this sequel can feel like venturing into the Netherworld itself – delightfully bizarre, but a little confusing. Returning to the helm is director Tim Burton, alongside iconic cast members like Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara, promising a nostalgic trip back to Winter River. However, this time, the narrative landscape seems to have expanded, becoming a more intricate, and perhaps overstuffed, affair.
Back to the Netherworld: Remembering the Original Beetlejuice Premise
To truly understand Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, it’s helpful to revisit the essence of the original 1988 film. Beetlejuice centered around Barbara and Adam Maitland, a recently deceased couple trying to haunt the new, living residents out of their beloved Connecticut home. Unable to scare the Deetz family themselves, they reluctantly enlist the help of Beetlejuice, a mischievous and crass “bio-exorcist” from the Netherworld. The original film thrived on its simple premise, allowing Burton to unleash his signature visual style and Michael Keaton to deliver a manic, unforgettable performance as Beetlejuice. It was a story about navigating the absurdities of the afterlife and the clash between the living and the dead, all wrapped in a comedic and slightly spooky package.
A New Chapter: Decades Later in Winter River
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice fast forwards the story, revealing that time has moved on for the living and the dead alike. Lydia Deetz, played once again by Winona Ryder, is now a grown woman, her youthful fascination with the macabre having evolved into a career. She hosts a talk show called Ghost House, capitalizing on her supernatural experiences, though it seems to have taken a toll on her mental well-being. When tragedy strikes with the peculiar death of her father (portrayed in claymation due to the unfortunate absence of Jeffrey Jones), Lydia, accompanied by her producer boyfriend Rory (Justin Theroux), returns to the familiar setting of Winter River for the funeral.
Adding another layer to the family dynamic is Astrid (Jenna Ortega), Lydia’s estranged daughter. Astrid carries the teenage angst and resentment typical of the Deetz lineage, initially dismissing her mother’s psychic abilities. However, as events unfold, she begins to confront the reality of the supernatural world her mother inhabits.
Meanwhile, in the Netherworld, Beetlejuice is far from forgotten. He awaits his chance to return to the land of the living, but his afterlife is complicated by the introduction of his ex-wife (Monica Bellucci), described as a soul-sucking entity, and a ghost detective (Willem Dafoe), a former B-movie star now navigating the afterlife in his own unique way. These new characters and their interwoven storylines contribute to the sequel’s more sprawling narrative.
Strengths and Weaknesses: A Funhouse Overcrowded?
The review suggests that Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, while retaining the visual flair and Burton-esque charm, suffers from a narrative that tries to do too much. The introduction of numerous new characters and subplots dilutes the focused comedic horror of the original. While the idea of expanding the Beetlejuice universe is intriguing, the execution seems to have resulted in a film that feels overstuffed. As the original review notes, several characters or subplots could likely be removed without significantly impacting the core story.
However, the return of Keaton as Beetlejuice and Burton’s direction are highlighted as definite positives. They effortlessly recapture the eccentric energy of the original, offering moments of visual brilliance and comedic timing that fans will appreciate. Willem Dafoe’s addition as a quirky ghost detective also promises to be a highlight, fitting seamlessly into Burton’s world of wonderfully weird characters.
Conclusion: A Welcome, if Cluttered, Return
In conclusion, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice attempts to recapture the magic of the original while expanding its supernatural world. While the sequel may be burdened by an overly complex plot and a large ensemble cast, it still offers the visual inventiveness of Tim Burton and the unhinged performance of Michael Keaton that made the first film so beloved. For fans wondering “what is Beetlejuice Beetlejuice about?”, it’s a journey back to Winter River and the Netherworld, but be prepared for a somewhat more convoluted and crowded trip than the original.
