Sept. 6 saw the release of Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” a cleverly titled sequel to his hit film “Beetlejuice.” Though opening to mixed reviews, its strategic release with Halloween being right around the corner allows “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” to offer up enough bits and gags in the vein of the original to put anyone in the mood for the spooky season ahead.

The film returns with familiar faces, following a now grown Lydia Deetz played once again by Winona Ryder and her teenage daughter Astrid, played by Jenna Ortega, as they navigate the death (by shark attack) of Lydia’s father. Due to this, they must return to Lydia’s house in Winter River Connecticut and put him to rest.

The time spent in Winter River, however, holds more in store for the family than they expected. Through the schemes of a teenage ghost named Jeremey, played by Arthur Conti, Astrid finds herself stuck in the afterlife, having unknowingly traded her soul for his so that he might go back to the land of the living.

In efforts to save Astrid from the afterlife, Lydia must travel there herself and recruit the “bio-exorcist” Betelgeuse to help her. Betelgeuse agrees to help Lydia as long as she agrees to finally marry him, as his soul-sucking wife, played by Monica Belluci, has come back from the dead and is out to get him.  

Throughout the film, we see other storylines play out with the star-studded cast. Willem Dafoe plays a B-list actor now reprising his real-life role of a cop in the afterlife. Catherine O’Hara reprises her role in the film as well, with other nods and cameos being riddled throughout the film.

What the film lacks in plot it makes up for in Burton-esque nostalgia and gags. For hardcore fans of the first movie Burton does what he does best and plays heavily into the nostalgia. At times he veers into the territory of fan-service, but even then, it is still a light-hearted and enjoyable time.

What sets “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” apart from most sequels being churned out of Hollywood as of late is solely thanks to Burton. As the weather grows colder it seems as if Burton himself is actually defrosting after a long spell of producing a line of films and shows that are lacking his zany flair.  

This in part is due to the nostalgia of the film, but also the fact that most of the cast has previously worked with Burton before, and obviously maintains a good chemistry with him as a director and producer. Additionally, Burton has returned to the use of practical sets and props, adding his distinct look to the film.

For fans of either the original or Burton, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” offers up a fun and lighthearted experience just in time for Halloween around the corner.

Photo courtesy of Bruno Guerrero on Unsplash