The juice is loose! Beetlejuice 2 might not be flawless, but it’s an enjoyable film made for the Halloween season. It offers a delightful mix of humor, horror, music, an incredible amount of makeup, and a color palette that screams Tim Burton. While a few scenes and moments feel a bit rushed and brief, it still makes for a great family movie night. Michael Keaton returns, proving once again that he was born to play Beetlejuice. The animation and effects give off an old-school vibe, reminiscent of Jim Carrey’s The Mask, which adds a fascinating touch. Keaton’s makeup looks like it’s been on him for 36 years, and his performance hasn’t lost any of its charm.
As for the rest of the cast, we have Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), Astrid Deetz (Jenna Ortega), Wolf Jackson (Willem Dafoe), Rory (Justin Theroux), and Delia Deetz (Catherine O’Hara), with Delores (Monica Bellucci) positioned as the supposed antagonist. I say “supposed” because, despite her character’s introduction suggesting she’d have significant screen time and be a major challenge, that wasn’t the case. She didn’t receive the attention her character deserved, her only “power” seemed to be sustaining her existence, and her exit from the film was, in my opinion, completely underwhelming. That said, I did enjoy her backstory. The other protagonists delivered some solid dialogue, with the expected weirdness and occasional forced humor.
If you’re a fan of Halloween-themed music, Beetlejuice, and Tim Burton’s signature style, then you’ll love this film. It’s filled with entertaining music, elaborate body makeup, and a nostalgic ’80s vibe. If you are trying to find an enjoyable family flick to watch, especially during the spooky season, this one is a great choice. It’s packed with Tim Burton’s signature gothic horror and fantasy elements. While it’s not a blockbuster, it’s enjoyable enough to remind you just how amazing Michael Keaton is as Beetlejuice and how Burton’s films perfectly blend creepy yet entertaining fantasy and horror with humor and music.