Rating: 4/5

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) is a strong follow-up to the original, but it may not work for everyone. The film uses body disfigurement as humour, though it also helps to normalize these differences to some extent. That said, the body horror elements might be difficult for those sensitive to such content.

Michael Keaton steps back into the role of Betelgeuse without missing a beat. His performance brings the same chaotic energy that made the character memorable in the first film, keeping the audience entertained with his blend of humour and mischief.

Jenna Ortega delivers a solid performance, portraying a young woman navigating a strange world. She brings depth to her role, making her character relatable amidst all the chaos. Justin Theroux also impresses as a character who seems morally gray. His performance gives the character layers, revealing his true nature by the film’s end.

Willem Dafoe adds his unique touch to a quirky supporting character, striking a balance between humour and a sense of unease. Catherine O’Hara once again shines with her sharp wit and impeccable timing, elevating every scene she’s in.

Monica Bellucci plays the main antagonist, but her character feels underused. With limited screen time and dialogue, her role doesn’t fully develop, leaving a sense of missed potential.

The theatre experience added something extra with a themed popcorn exclusive to Landmark theatres in Canada. The green, sugar-dusted popcorn with gummy worms fits the theme well, but the green colour might be a little too close to Betelgeuse’s look, which could be off-putting for some.

Overall, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) offers a good mix of humour and horror, carried by strong performances from Keaton, Ortega, and O’Hara. While the use of body-related humour may not appeal to everyone, it’s a solid continuation of the original with a few bumps along the way that leaves the door open for a sequel with its ending and its naming convention.

September 9, 2024