Dan’s review published on Letterboxd:
Spooktober 2024: Day 11 watching a horror movie
"Look i'm sorry things don't work out between us but the 600 year age gap was a little bit much for me"
A perfect palate cleanser after experiencing the utter abomination of Martyrs! This is perfectly such a light & fun escape I needed, while also perfectly capturing the Halloween spirit as well!
This was (slightly) a hilarious and enjoyable continuation of the offbeat world we remember from the original, although nothing groundbreaking about it, but it simply doesn't need to. Though these franchise has always been just okay in my eyes, but i must say the charm is still very much alive here.
One of the biggest talking points will undoubtedly be the CGI. I believe the new CGI could probably cause some riotous discourse from fervent fans of the original as it might've comes across as disrespectful or too polished. After all, the original’s quirky visual style worked precisely because of those imperfect, handmade touches. However, personally, it didn’t bother me at all. I think it fits the tone well enough for today’s audience, even if it strays from the original’s aesthetics.
When it comes to the cast, they're definitely stacked to the moon. Winona Ryder is captivating, effortlessly bringing back that eerie, yet magnetic vibe we loved in Lydia Deetz. Michael Keaton still kills it as Beetlejuice. His presence is more than commendable, and he brings the same wild energy that made him iconic. I was also pleasantly impressed by the new additions. Monica Bellucci is an absolute standout; her presence on screen, though brief, is still mesmerizing, and honestly, she could curse me any day, and I’d thank her gratefully. Justin Theroux plays a hilariously idiotic character, providing some much-needed comic relief, while Willem Dafoe’s appearance is refreshing and fits perfectly into the bizarre world.
However, I’m not entirely on board with the hype around Jenna Ortega. I thought her performance feels flat and subdued, not just here, but in many of her other roles as well. It’s not that she’s annoying or unlikable, but I fail to see why people are infatuated with her. I thought her expression lacks the vibrancy needed for a film like this, and I think she comes across as mediocre at best.
Overall, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is as delightfully weird and offbeat as you’d expect. Do we really need this sequel? Probably not. But it’s certainly a vivifying and ravishing addition to the franchise. If you’re craving that nostalgia and quirky humor from the first movie, it’s definitely worth watching. Even though you thought it won't outshine the original, yet it manages to holds it's own and brings back enough of the familiar magic to make it a damn fun ride.
