After 36 years, the famous bio-exorcist Beetlejuice returns to the screens, and with him the inimitable Michael Keaton. Ready for a journey to Burton’s afterlife?
The first announcement of the sequel to the cult classic Beetle juice caused more outrage than admiration. There are some classics that are better left untouched. Why? Because technology changes, trends change, expectations change, and we ourselves change, forgetting that the lion’s share of pleasant memories of a given work of culture is nostalgia that distorts reality.
There are also artists who have already passed their prime and, although they are still masters of their craft, they rarely manage to surpass their own achievements. Why do I mention this? Because Beetle juice seems to be an example of a film that can’t be beaten. It can be refreshed in a way that makes it more palatable to younger fans of the film, while still retaining some of the classics that old-timers love. It’s a tough task, but this time it worked – although not everything went according to plan.
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice… Beetlejuice!
After 36 years, the famous bio-exorcist Beetlejuice returns to the screens, and with him the inimitable Michael Keaton. Exactly the same number of years passes in the film Beetlejuice Beetlejuicewhich debuts in cinemas this Friday. A few things have changed in the world of Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder). Her daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega) is now a maturing teenager, and Lydia herself is preparing to marry a new partner. Since her last meeting with Beetlejuice, she has managed to make quite a career as a medium, which doesn’t quite suit Astrid. The girl doesn’t believe in ghosts, and even less so in her mother’s supernatural abilities.
Their relationship broke down after the death of Astrid’s father, whom she dreams of seeing once again. She realizes that it is impossible until she meets a young boy – on Halloween night, he convinces her that her dream can become a reality. She only has to meet one condition.
Old Burton in new clothes
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice starts off inconspicuously. The film unabashedly introduces us to new and old faces (in addition to Winona Ryder and Michael Keaton, Catherine O’Hara returns). At first, I felt like I was watching the first episodes of Stranger Things – a small, peaceful town bathed in the warm colors of the last rays of autumn sun. It’s the end of October, so Halloween decorations are everywhere in sight. With these pretty, atmospheric images, we reach the Deetz house, where the infamous model of the town still stands.
There, due to Lydia’s partner’s indiscretion, Beetlejuice is summoned again, which is, hmm, a bit disappointing? After 36 years, I expected more of a “wow” factor. From the moment the spirit is summoned, the film picks up speed, but in a somewhat disjointed way – a bit like the writers ran out of screen time to fit in all the ideas.
The moment Beetlejuice appears is also a clear signal that Tim Burton is taking over the reins – or more specifically, his spooky funny style that we fell in love with Beetle juice. The film develops the idea of the afterlife, showing a diverse community that lives there every day. Astrid ended up on the other side as a result of a trick, and the viewer will accompany her on a journey through various afterlife locations, which were made using classic cinematography techniques. Burton promised to avoid CGI like the plague and he kept that promise. So you can feel that old-school atmosphere, although it is worth noting that the creators rather spice up the film with it than build the foundations on it.
Too much, too fast, too shallow
I do have some complaints about the narration itself, though. The driving force behind the plot was supposed to be the story of Beetlejuice’s wife – or at least that’s what we could deduce from the pre-premiere materials. However, the character played by Monica Belluci appears on screen episodically and a bit forcedly, which gives the impression of unused potential. This is a broader problem of the film. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice he finishes things off in a hurry, mixing up the concept – a bit of parody here, a bit of musical there, and a bit of Burtonian black comedy gore. At times it didn’t quite come together, but I assume that’s the result of trying to reach new audiences – not necessarily fans of the director.
The roles of Willem Dafoe, Burn Gorman and Danny DeVito are also expressionless, and these are big names. I also regret that the storyline of Astrid and her father is presented so shallowly – Fortunately, the duo of Winona Ryder and Michael Keaton dragged on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice by the ears towards an ultimately good spectacle. However, one must approach it with an open mind.
Universal Halloween Movie
I appreciate it Beetle juice for originality and I won’t hide the fact that I had high hopes for the sequel. Did I get what I expected? Not entirely, although it wasn’t a screening I left disappointed with. I love watching the first part on Halloween, and the second is simply made for it. Burton knows how to approach the subject of death in a disgustingly elegant and ghoulishly likeable way. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice it doesn’t have a more interesting story, doesn’t allow itself to do as much as the first one and has a lot of contemporary cinema influences, but it approaches the “universe” with sufficient respect. Bringing in Jenny Ortega and giving the film a youthful atmosphere will undoubtedly encourage young viewers to reach for the cult Tim. So both old hands and young Burton fans should find something for themselves there.
It is worth noting, however, that disappointment was just around the corner. The creators almost got lost in the thicket of their own ideas. Or maybe the fact that I was able to forgive so much is a result of that famous nostalgia?
Source: antyweb.pl
