While it never quite hits the highs of the original, Beetlejuicex2 is still thankfully a fun time at the movies. Theres quite a bit that works and some head scratching stuff, but overall it feels like a successful Legacy sequel, one we maybe didnt need but one that gave us some enjoyment regardless. There are some great additions like Jenna Ortega who is the genuine highlight of the film as well a more twisty plot than the first, but mostly we coast along on the good vibes of the first film and some punchier writing. Seeing it with a packed house in IMAX was definitely the way to go, this feels like it'll play quite a bit better as a communal experience, especially as the "rewatchable on cable" film genre has mostly been retired now. Considering late stage Burton and how dire some Legacy Sequels can be, I think we can count ourselves lucky here.

Some Thoughts...

- Tons of great performers in this film, both returning and new. I think Jenna Ortega is the highlight. Her Astrid breathes new life in the franchise as she easily finds the best way to bridge the gap between the first films hardcore audience and new comers likely new to the franchise. She feels fresh but familiar and of the world and I mean that as a compliment. The film is better every second she is on screen.
- Winona Ryder is...fine as Lydia. Not bad, but I don't think she was a highlight of the film, even when sharing screen time with Keaton.
- Catherine O'Hara gets even more time to play here and I think she makes the most of it. The writers clearly love her and she gets some of the movies best bits and lines.
- Justin Theroux, like I like him, don't get me wrong, but this is the most generic bad boyfriend role of all time. Also felt like something I'd maybe seen him do before? I don't know. Did not love how much movie time his plot with Ryder took up.
- And then we get to the great Michael Keaton. It feels like he gets a lot more scenery to chew this time around and he makes great use of it. I think this is a character you need to strike a balance with. Enough to keep people happy but not too much to make the film overtly tipped to the silly Beetlejuice. I think this is one thing the film does quite well. More but not too much Beetlejuice.
- But then we have the Monica Belluci plot which felt bizarrely tacked on or should I say, stapled on? She disappears from the movie for long stretches of time and then the way the film completes her story in the third act feels extremely rushed. Would be interested to read if this was some kind of re-shoot addition or if it was always there. Also felt kinda like a copy paste of Emily from Corpse Bride a bit. But we know Burton at this point loves to feed off his own work so that didn't really surprise me. Did not know until I read a friends review just now that she and Burton are dating??? It makes so much sense now. 
- I will say, the Italian horror homage backstory of Beetlejuice and Dolores was great and a highlight of the film. 
- Willem DaFriend a great supporting addition. More of him and Ortega would have been great. Is his character superfluous though? Yes. 
- Spoiler section here. One of my biggest red flags about the movie is how it handles Jeffrey Jones. For those that don't know, he is now a registered sex offender thanks to his actions with a minor in the early 2000s. I kind of figured the movie would ignore him or act like he'd been dead for a while but instead his character is kind of a central plot point? Not only that, his likeness is used repeatedly and while I'm not sure if Jones himself voices the character (Cannot find who did it anywhere online) having him speak at all feels bizarre. To have lots of children perform at his characters funeral felt extremely bizarre, almost as if Burton wanted to draw attention to the issue, though how the rest of the film talks about his character I don't think thats the case. Maybe not a movie killer but certainly a baffling decision and I'll be very interested to see how others react to it.
- A slight spoiler to go along with that, Having so much Jeffrey Jones in the film and zero Maitlands felt very odd. I get that they have aged and you'd have to explain that, but considering this movies world, I don't think it's that big of a problem! Not having them or someone like them kind of robs the film the balance the first film had and thus this one leans much more strange and weird. Maybe why I feel like some warmth was missing?
- Maybe Burton doesn't have an issue with Jones' issues as Danny Elfman is still here doing his musical work. I thought the intro theme song felt more alive than ever and helped give the movie a spark to start, but otherwise the rest of the score itself felt like same old same old Danny Elfman. Great 30 years ago, kinda repetitive now.
- I think the story was overall very Beetlejuice and minus a few issues worked! I also thought the writing was quite punchy and maybe had more laugh out loud moments than the first one? But it was missing the heart of the first one. Maybe its because I've seen 1 a million times, maybe its because of Baldwin and Davis, but the first one feels much more alive, with a beating heart and deep affection for all of its characters. This one comes off a little colder. And like thats ok, its a legacy sequel, its hard to get the same feelings as 30+ years ago. But it was noticeable to me.
- Great practical effects throughout. They are obviously silly and bizarre and not "realistic" but they fit the world and match the original film in a way that few films today seem able to do. Big kudos here. 
- Bob 
- Loved the little end credits actor cards. Quick but appreciated!
- Ending was a bit of an open book as it could be the end or it could lead to more. Was expecting a post credit scene after the movie ending but there isn't one. An interesting open book approach.
- Yes, there is a lot here that goes along with the whole Burton feeding off his own work line of thinking, there is no doubt about that. But here I think it makes sense considering the sequel part of it and I also think the additions of Ortega, DaFriend and more make it different enough that it didn't bother me as much here as it has in other places.

I had a good time with Beetlejuicex2. No, it does not touch the first, but I think we all knew that would be hard to do all this time later. Thankfully it's funny, has some great additions and feels very much of the same world without feeling forced if that makes sense. I think anyone who enjoys the first movie or Burton in general should check it out. But considering how packed the theater was, I don't think that crowd needs any nudging.

Movie Stats (As of 9/5/24 Opening Night)

Rotten Tomatoes - 77%
Metacritic - 62
SeanScore™ - 64/100

Box Office - N/A But I will say it was a packed opening night showing. I think this film will likely make back its $100M budget this weekend and everything else will be gravy. Very curious to see how high this one can go.

Format Feedback - Saw this in IMAX w/Laser and it looked great. I don't believe this was shot in IMAX but its format allowed for it take up the entire screen and I think it used the format quite well. Absolutely worth seeing in the format, especially if you have A-List.