William’s review published on Letterboxd:
I know this review may be a bit belated, but I’ve been consumed with thoughts lately due to personal situations, particularly my living arrangement, which has made it difficult to process my feelings and write reviews. However, I’m excited to finally share my thoughts on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the long-awaited sequel to Tim Burton's classic. I experienced this film with my best friend Chase and his mother, and let me tell you—it was an absolute blast! This sequel truly packed a punch for me. It’s one of the most guilty-pleasure experiences I’ve had on the big screen in quite some time. Michael Keaton's return as Beetlejuice was nothing short of incredible, and Winona Ryder’s return as Lydia Deetz was outstanding. Their performances were impeccable. I was particularly impressed with the addition of Jenna Ortega, who plays Lydia’s daughter. She brought a fresh energy to the film that I absolutely loved. The character dynamics are fantastic, and the chemistry between the cast is palpable.
The narrative is interesting, even if it sometimes feels like there’s too much going on. However, the sheer fun of the movie makes it hard to criticize or dwell on its flaws. The film is just too much fucking fun to let those minor issues overshadow my enjoyment. I found myself completely immersed in the characters and their antics. There are so many moments that made me smile, and it truly felt like a celebration of the original. While I have to admit that the first act of the film left me feeling a bit “eh,” as it seemed to differ from the original's tone, the story quickly picked up momentum. By the time the film progressed, I was thinking, "Damn, this movie's getting good!" Despite my initial reservations about its differences from the original, I ultimately couldn’t resist the fun and excitement of the experience. Watching this sequel on the big screen was awesome, and I cherished every moment, especially the musical number near the end, which brought a huge smile to my face. Everything about Beetlejuice Beetlejuice screams guilty pleasure. It’s the type of gothic film that I aspire to make one day—something that balances fun and creepy moments while not taking itself too seriously. It’s not scary, but it’s undeniably enjoyable. Tim Burton knocked it out of the park with his direction; his enthusiasm and passion for this project shine through. This sequel feels like a love letter to fans of the original while also standing on its own as a distinct and entertaining film.
As I reflect on this sequel, I can confidently say it’s one of the best sequels I’ve seen, especially considering it takes place 30 years after the original. The way it captured the spirit of the first film while bringing something new is remarkable. I’m excited to see how this film evolves in my mind over time, and I wouldn’t be surprised if my rating goes up as I revisit it. Mainly I can’t wait to get my hands on the Blu-ray release, which is set to come out later in December or January. You can bet I’ll be watching this movie excessively during Halloween because it’s the perfect film for the season. I just can’t get over how much fun I had with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. It’s a reminder of why I love movies and the joy they can bring. But all-in-all, this film is a triumphant return to the whimsical chaos of the original, and I can't recommend it enough. I’m thrilled to dive back into writing more reviews, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on more films with you all. Tim Burton is back, baby, and I’m excited to see what he creates next! And by the way... Jenna Ortega is mine!! Get your own gothic queen you sons of a bitches!!