Beetlejuice 2 Review: The Ghost with the Most is Back, and It’s Just as Strange and Unusual as Ever
After more than three decades, the wait is finally over: Beetlejuice 2 has risen from development limbo, bringing back one of cinema’s most beloved (and bizarre) characters. Directed once again by Tim Burton, this long-awaited sequel is a nostalgic love letter to fans of the original 1988 classic, while also injecting new life into the supernatural world of the "bio-exorcist" we all know and love. The big question on everyone’s mind was whether Beetlejuice 2 could capture the same quirky magic of its predecessor. The answer? Absolutely—and then some.
A Seamless Return to the Strange and Unusual
From the moment Beetlejuice 2 begins, it’s clear that Burton hasn’t missed a beat when it comes to creating a whimsical, otherworldly atmosphere. The opening sequence transports us back to the whimsical Gothic landscape of the afterlife, filled with the oddball characters and surreal humor that made the first Beetlejuice such a beloved cult classic. This time, however, the world feels a bit more expansive, and Burton’s signature dark-yet-playful aesthetic has evolved with modern technology, blending practical effects with subtle CGI enhancements that never overwhelm the charm of the practical design.
The original Beetlejuice thrived on its balance of horror, humor, and the bizarre, and Beetlejuice 2 continues that tradition. The quirky blend of the mundane and the macabre remains intact, but Burton adds a few new layers of visual depth. From dusty, decayed homes to lively undead waiting rooms, the film is filled with clever visual gags and iconic Burtonesque artistry that will delight both new audiences and fans of the original.
Michael Keaton’s Triumphant Return as Beetlejuice
One of the greatest joys of Beetlejuice 2 is, without a doubt, Michael Keaton’s return as the titular character. Keaton slips back into the role of the obnoxious, chaotic, yet oddly charismatic ghost with effortless ease. In many ways, it feels as if no time has passed at all—Beetlejuice is just as mischievous, rude, and unpredictable as ever. Keaton's performance here is nothing short of a masterclass in physical comedy, with his rapid-fire delivery and manic energy providing a perfect counterbalance to the film’s more grounded characters.
In fact, Keaton’s performance is one of the film's strongest points. His ability to switch between unhinged chaos and oddly endearing moments gives the character depth without sacrificing his zany, anarchic spirit. Watching Beetlejuice wreak havoc once again feels like welcoming back an old, troublemaking friend—and for long-time fans, it’s a true delight. His banter, wild antics, and penchant for breaking the fourth wall provide some of the film's biggest laughs, reminding everyone why Beetlejuice is such a one-of-a-kind character.
A New Cast of Characters to Love
In addition to Keaton’s return, Beetlejuice 2 introduces a fresh cast of characters who fit seamlessly into Burton’s macabre world. While many sequels struggle to justify the inclusion of new characters, Beetlejuice 2 smartly expands its cast in a way that enriches the story without overshadowing the returning favorites.
Winona Ryder reprises her role as Lydia Deetz, now older but just as delightfully deadpan and peculiar as ever. Her daughter, played by rising star Jenna Ortega, is the perfect embodiment of Lydia’s iconic goth sensibility, bringing her own brand of offbeat humor and teenage rebellion to the story.
Ortega’s character feels like a natural extension of the Deetz family legacy. She possesses the same curiosity and love for the supernatural that Lydia had in the original, but with a modern twist that makes her feel fresh and relevant. Her dynamic with Beetlejuice is particularly fun to watch, as her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude often clash with Beetlejuice’s over-the-top antics.
Catherine O’Hara also returns as Delia Deetz, now a renowned art-world eccentric, and her scenes with Ortega and Ryder are some of the film’s most heartwarming, providing a sense of continuity that fans of the original will appreciate.
The interplay between the new and old cast members helps bridge the gap between generations, making Beetlejuice 2 a film that speaks to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
A More Expansive Exploration of the Afterlife
One of the biggest differences between Beetlejuice and its sequel is the expansion of the afterlife’s world-building. In Beetlejuice 2, we get to explore more of the bureaucratic, bizarre afterlife rules that the original film only hinted at. Burton takes us deeper into the oddball offices, waiting rooms, and labyrinthine spaces where the dead navigate their peculiar existence.
While the original focused heavily on the Maitland’s and their attempts to rid their home of the living, Beetlejuice 2 gives us more time in the undead realm. This added exploration allows for plenty of creative set pieces and a host of new, quirky undead characters. The afterlife is a visual treat filled with Burton’s trademark touches, from talking severed heads to ghoulish civil servants—there’s always something weird lurking in every corner, just waiting to be discovered.
This deeper dive into the rules and regulations of the afterlife also plays into the film’s overarching theme of acceptance and the fluidity between life and death. As bizarre as it all is, it feels cohesive and adds to the narrative rather than detracting from it. Fans of Burton’s world-building in films like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Corpse Bride will undoubtedly love the expanded afterlife here.
Humor, Heart, and the Burton Touch
What made the original Beetlejuice so special was its ability to balance the grotesque with the heartfelt, and Beetlejuice 2 manages to capture that same magic. Beneath all the strange characters, outrageous antics, and wild visuals lies a surprisingly emotional story about family, identity, and belonging. As much as Beetlejuice is an agent of chaos, the film also explores deeper themes about the impact of his meddling on those around him—particularly the Deetz family.
There’s a real emotional arc here, especially between Lydia, her daughter, and Beetlejuice himself. Burton knows when to slow things down and allow for moments of introspection, which helps ground the film amidst the chaos. While Beetlejuice 2 is packed with laugh-out-loud moments and insane visuals, it never loses sight of its characters and their growth, which gives the film a surprising amount of heart.
Comparing Beetlejuice 2 to the Original
It’s almost inevitable to compare Beetlejuice 2 to the original film, especially since it’s been over 30 years since the first movie came out. The original Beetlejuice was a groundbreaking blend of horror, comedy, and the weirdly whimsical, and in many ways, Beetlejuice 2 captures that same essence. However, the sequel has a slightly more polished, contemporary feel while still maintaining the spirit of the 1988 classic.
In terms of tone and style, the films are very much aligned. Burton’s trademark dark humor and gothic aesthetic permeate every frame of Beetlejuice 2, just as they did in the original.
However, the sequel does take advantage of modern filmmaking technology, using subtle CGI to enhance certain effects without losing the tactile, practical charm of the original. There are more visual set pieces, more characters, and a more expansive world in Beetlejuice 2, but it never feels like it’s straying too far from what made the first film so beloved.
The biggest difference lies in character development. In Beetlejuice, the focus was more on the Maitland’s (played by Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) as they navigated the afterlife, whereas Beetlejuice 2 shifts the focus to the Deetz family, particularly Lydia and her daughter. This shift feels natural given the timeline, and it adds a layer of generational storytelling that enhances the sequel. The core of both films remains the same: a strange and unusual journey through the afterlife with Beetlejuice stirring up chaos at every turn.
The Verdict: A Sequel Worth the Wait
In the end, Beetlejuice 2 manages to do the impossible—it delivers a sequel that lives up to the legacy of the original while also carving out its own place in modern cinema. With Michael Keaton’s show-stopping performance, Tim Burton’s visionary direction, and a talented new cast, this film is a love letter to fans of the first movie while also standing as a fantastic supernatural comedy in its own right.
Burton’s unique blend of humor, horror, and heart shines through once again, and it’s clear that this sequel was made with care and respect for the world that was created back in 1988. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original or a newcomer to the world of Beetlejuice, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
So, is Beetlejuice 2 worth the wait? Absolutely. The ghost with the most is back—and it’s a wild, wonderfully weird ride you won’t want to miss.
