Like many, I wasn’t thrilled at the prospect of a new episode of Beetlejuice. With the first film in the series, Tim Burton created an entire universe. With “Edward Scissorhands”, “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, and “Beetlejuice”, the director doesn’t just juxtapose images; he crafts a world and composes its atmosphere like a master painting. The topics and themes addressed are far from being caricatured. The master of “soft horror,” like most directors of “genre films”, also critiques society and its shortcomings using methods borrowed from “Candide” by Voltaire. What better way to describe it than through fantasy?
Beetlejuice: A Success for Tim Burton!
The first “Beetlejuice” was released in 1988. Producing a sequel to this classic over 20 years later might seem like a commercial move, unworthy of an artist like Tim Burton, especially bringing back Michael Keaton for a second time. Once again, a family must confront the devilish antics of Beetlejuice as they return to their family home. The heroine is played by Jenna Ortega, who portrayed “Wednesday” on Netflix. The cast also includes Monica Bellucci, more wicked than ever, as Beetlejuice’s wife.
The first success of the film is that Tim Burton hasn’t lost his touch. He expands the universe created in 1988 with far more resources than before. Even if we’re familiar with the basics of the Beetlejuice world, we’re completely immersed. The strength of Tim Burton‘s direction lies in its ability to immerse us. The carefully chosen actors seamlessly fit into this world of horror and fantasy. The special effects, improved since 1988, enable total immersion. However, it’s not an overload of effects; the director uses them wisely.
However, the script may have taken some shortcuts. It includes a main storyline and a few side stories. The plot involving Beetlejuice’s wife might feel rushed. Nevertheless, the total immersion in a universe that is both funny and magical stands out as a grand spectacle. A successful venture for Tim Burton.
