What a fucking blast! From the moment the opening titles started to roll (set once again to Danny Elfman’s off kilter yet ear-wormy score) and all the way to the end credits, I had a huge involuntary grin on my face. I laughed so much during this too; I really can’t remember the last time a new movie in theaters cracked me up like that. It was so, so silly, in the best way. So dang campy, and also heartfelt! They clearly had tons of fun putting it all together. And I definitely had tons of fun watching it. I believe it was a truly best case scenario for a legacy sequel to be honest; well it certainly passed up my expectations anyway (which had been fairly low going in to it). 

There was a handcrafted quality and approach to the effects and sets that gave it all an undeniable charm. They made no attempt to embrace the “gritty realism” aesthetic that seems to have become the standard for contemporary films, instead leaning into surrealism and more offbeat stylization (not unlike the original). It really felt like Burton somehow found his groove again after all these years, or at the very least his passion for dark whimsy seemed to be on full display once more. It made me really happy. 

In addition to the very playful atmosphere and aesthetics, it was also clear that the entire cast was fully on board and understood the assignment. Catherine O’Hara! My, oh my, she is so damn good, and perhaps even my favorite part of this movie? That’s saying a lot considering I enjoyed so many other aspects too. Michael Keaton of course effortlessly jumps back into the moldy flesh of his infamous bio-exorcist character without even missing a beat. Winona and Jenna were both fantastic. And Justin Theroux was just the absolute worst! By that I mean he was the best; his smarmy delivery made me wince every time. Also Willem Dafoe, holy hell does he pull off quite an entertaining performance (I mean when does he ever not?). Loved it. 

I also appreciated them going so extra with the death of Charles Deetz, considering how much of a creep the original actor turned out to be, it seemed to be an appropriately over the top demise. Honestly it was all the little things; the details and textures, and deliberate little inclusions that made this whole picture such a joy to experience. It really is a wonderful companion to the original film. I look forward to making a double feature night out of the two of them.