Beetlejuice Sequel: Campaign's High Hopes Fall Short of Film's Delivery

I just returned from Los Angeles, where I had the unforgettable experience of watching the Beetlejuice sequel at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatres. From the moment I stepped out of my hotel that late afternoon, I was immersed in the film's vibrant presence. Everywhere you looked, there were billboards, massive murals of the main characters, and benches with 3D cutouts inviting you to snap a photo. The Hollywood Boulevard transformed into a dazzling display of the film’s marketing brilliance. It was a spectacle unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

In the weeks leading up to my trip, I’d been following every TikTok video about the film’s events, premieres, and behind-the-scenes moments. So, when I learned I’d be in Los Angeles, I was thrilled at the chance to see it where all the excitement was centered. Watching the sequel at the TCL Chinese Theatre felt like perfect timing. The marketing hype built such incredible anticipation.

However, I’m very sad to say that I was a little bit disappointed. While there were some incredibly well-executed scenes and a few moments that made me laugh, the film didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I found myself waiting for a big moment that never came, leaving me feeling like something was missing. The film has too many new characters and lacks a clear reason for their inclusion. The B plot felt superficial, lacking depth. The biggest disappointment was the ending; it felt rushed and incomplete, as if it had been hastily wrapped up.

On a positive note, I was glad to see that Tim Burton stayed true to his roots by avoiding CGI and other artificial effects, opting instead for practical effects. There’s something truly magical about seeing real, tangible creations on screen, and that aspect of the film resonated deeply with me. In terms of the main protagonists' performances, I must say that they all did a great job. The make-up artists and costume designers also deserve praise for pulling the theme together so effectively. My absolute favorite moment in the movie was when Dolores, Beetlejuice's wife, meticulously reassembled her body parts from the scattered wooden boxes using a stapler. Monica Bellucci mentioned that the makeup for this scene took three hours to apply, which makes the moment even more impressive. Her role added so much depth to the story, and I can’t help but wish it had been explored further with more screen time.

That being said, I left the theater with mixed emotions. Would I see it again? Probably. It was definitely an interesting film, but unfortunately, the campaign's overwhelming promise didn’t quite match the film’s delivery.

Would I recommend you see the film? Absolutely. After all, it’s Beetlejuice and Tim Burton’s work - two things that are always worth experiencing. Many people loved the film and would strongly disagree with my opinion, and I understand that. However, there are a few of us who feel differently.

My overall rating - 6.5/10

#filmcritic #beetlejuicebeetlejuice #mariecopps #losangeles

PS: As a fashion designer, I enjoyed seeing some of the costumes from the film at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. That part was a delightful surprise.