July 12, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Film Review: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

By Dolores Quintana

Director Tim Burton’s newest film, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, is morbidly charming. I know this is heresy, but I love this movie in a way I didn’t like the first one. It is entertaining, as was the first one, but it also has a more fleshed-out story that uses everyone’s favorite bio-exorcist in a more sparing but effective way. It really seems like Burton is enjoying himself and creating this new story, which is a progression of the original tale. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is lush and cinematic, whereas the first film was more like a living cartoon, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The Burton magic is back. 

For one thing, it extended Mario Bava’s tribute, and the scene suddenly cuts to a different kind of film, as if to say, “Why? Why not?” But the real answer is that he loves the work of Mario Bava, one of the most quietly influential directors in horror and a world-class cinematographer. 

What is the film about? Well, I am glad you asked; the synopsis reads: after an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic, and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened. With trouble brewing in both realms, it’s only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice’s name three times, and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.

The film stars Michael Keaton in his iconic role, alongside Oscar nominee Winona Ryder (Stranger Things, Little Women) as Lydia Deetz and two-time Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara (Schitt$ Creek, The Nightmare Before Christmas) as Delia Deetz, with new cast members Justin Theroux (Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, The Leftovers), Monica Bellucci (Spectre, The Matrix films), Arthur Conti (House of the Dragon) in his feature film debut, with Emmy nominee Jenna Ortega (Wednesday, Scream VI) as Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, and Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe (Poor Things, At Eternity’s Gate). I am also thrilled to tell you that Burn Gorman (Watcher, Game of Thrones) is part of the cast as well and is a lovely new addition to the proceedings. He is playing against type, which is a nice change of pace. 

The cast works wonderfully together, and Catherine O’Hara, Jenna Ortega, Michael Keaton, and Winona Ryder are all delightful. 

It is lavish, in particular, the cinematography of Haris Zambarloukos (Belfast, Murder on the Orient Express) and the work of some of the artisans behind the physical look of the film production designer Mark Scruton (Wednesday), editor Jay Prychidny (Wednesday), Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood (Alice in Wonderland, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Sleepy Hollow). Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has the look of a perpetually cozy Fall town that is always about to celebrate Halloween. Even the Deetz house gets its own artistic fashion look. 

The tone of the film is just right; it balances Burton’s trademark morbid humor with eccentric flourishes that are purely for fun. There’s a lot of fun in this film, and even though some of the jokes are pretty dark, they are never mean. If anything, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a bit life-affirming and kindly.   

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a more multi-layered film with thrilling, ghoulish twists and turns and just enough sauce from the first one to keep the flame of the series alive. Hauntingly heartwarming and frightfully funny, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a goth valentine to the terror of the living.

<>Related Posts

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica Pier Arson Incidents

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The suspect, matching video footage from an arcade, was taken into custody Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect...

SMPD Launch New Recruitment Website Amid High Vacancy Rates

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The site features multimedia content, including day-in-the-life videos and officer profiles, highlighting the impact of serving the community The Santa...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Santa Monica Joins Regional Lawsuit to Halt Unconstitutional ICE Raids

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The motion to intervene seeks to ensure that Santa Monica and other plaintiff-intervenors can advocate for their residents’ rights in...

Promenade Restaurant Introduces Lunch Menu Set at $18 Per Person

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The fixed $18 price point targets commuters and those seeking a power lunch or a change of scenery The restaurant...

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...