My quick rating - 6.8/10 Oh, I have a bad feeling about this...and was I WRONG. Sometimes, revisiting a beloved classic can feel like tempting fate, but this flick proves that some doors to the Afterlife are worth reopening. Picking up decades after the original, the film follows Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) and her teenage daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), as they’re pulled back into the chaos of the Afterlife after Astrid inadvertently opens up that portal and Lydia has no choice but to summon the mischievous ghost with the most. This sequel strikes an impressive balance between honoring the original’s quirky charm and introducing fresh elements to the world of Winter River. Tim Burton’s signature gothic whimsy shines through, with expanded Afterlife world-building that feels both imaginative and true to the tone of the original. The balance of nostalgia and new material ensures longtime fans and newcomers alike will find plenty to enjoy. Michael Keaton reprises his role as Beetlejuice with unparalleled energy, slipping seamlessly back into the iconic role as if no time has passed. He brings the same chaotic charisma that made the original so memorable. Monica Bellucci as Delores adds a sultry, enigmatic layer to the Afterlife, while Willem Dafoe steals the show in his limited screen time with a performance that’s both hilarious and unsettling. Jenna Ortega is perfectly cast as Astrid, her performance brimming with the sardonic charm and relatability that fit naturally into the world of Beetlejuice. Winona Ryder’s return as Lydia brings emotional depth and continuity, bridging the gap between generations and grounding the film’s heart in the Deetz family’s struggles. The high-energy performances, inventive visuals, and clever callbacks to the original more than compensate. All of these elements make this a worthy sequel that captures the spirit of the original while breathing new life into the story. Fans of the first film will revel in the nostalgia, while new audiences will appreciate the film’s wit, charm, and vibrant imagination.
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