Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is playing in theaters at the time of writing. Rated PG-13. Common Sense says 13.
Three generations of Deetz women reunite for Charles Deetz’s funeral: Delia (Catherine O’Hara), Lydia (Winona Ryder), and Astrid (Jenna Ortega). While there, Astrid accidentally opens a portal to the underworld, unleashing Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) once again. Will the women be able to reconnect as a family, or will the zany spirits from the underworld get in their way?
STORY: C-
There’s a lot going on, but not much happening.
The numerous plot lines come together at the end, but they don’t really tie together in any meaningful way. Despite that, the film is a fun ride, especially for fans of the original movie.
PEOPLE: B-
Ortega shines. O’Hara and Dafoe slay.
Along with her work on Wednesday, this movie officially cements Jenna Ortega’s status as Winona Ryder’s successor as Tim Burton’s muse.
But the best performances come from veterans Catherine O’Hara and Wilem Dafoe. Both of them bring an enormous amount of talent to enormously goofy roles. They’re a joy to watch.
FILM NERD STUFF: B
Needle drops light up the film’s third act.
Most people would use just a clip of the epically long 70s song, “MacArthur Park.” Tim Burton isn’t most people. His commitment to using the entire song pays off in an absurd and wonderful climax.
Burton also throws in way more of “Soul Train” than might be expected, to glorious results.
THE BIG LESSON: D
Don’t. Trust. Ghosts.
It’s true. You really shouldn’t trust ghosts. They can create chaos and, at times, deep misery. However …
Fighting through chaos alongside the people around you can bring you closer together. There’s nothing like getting a glimpse of the Underworld to make you grateful for what you’ve got above ground.
FINAL COMMENTS:
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is not setting out to redefine a genre. It’s not trying to roll out a Beetlejuice-i-verse. The film is a festive, familiar ride. You can easily guess how much you’ll enjoy it by looking at how much you enjoyed the original.