Cube Critics discuss ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’

MPR News Cube Critics Jacob Aloi and Alex V. Cipolle both review ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the sequel to the beloved 1988 film by Tim Burton about a troublesome trickster ghost.

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‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ — Alex V. Cipolle review

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” brings back several stars, including Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, and, of course, Michael Keaton reprising his iconic role as Beetlejuice.

Having been obsessed with the original movie since I was a child, I found the film to be a visual delight with plenty of great performances. But it doesn’t quite capture the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of the original.

Michael Keaton absolutely nails Beetlejuice once again, embodying the role perfectly. Winona Ryder’s Lydia is somewhat defanged compared to her sassy goth persona from the first film, but, as Jacob Aloi points out, her character’s fear is understandable given her traumatic experiences as a former child bride of a trickster demo.

Despite this, Ryder still portrays Lydia as a strong mother, especially when her daughter Astrid, played by newcomer Jenna Ortega, is put in danger.

Perhaps my biggest gripe is the introduction of Willem Dafoe’s character — a ghost cop investigating ghost crimes. I found his performance to be hacky and derivative, lacking the originality that Dafoe is known for.

The premise of his character, a dead action film star turned ghost cop, felt forced and didn’t integrate seamlessly with the rest of the film.

— Alex V. Cipolle

‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ — Jacob Aloi review

This sequel feels more like a vibe than a tightly woven plot, presenting multiple storylines without a singular, unifying message — other than to “live the life that you’re given” and not to expect something different in the afterlife.

I absolutely loved the introduction of Willem Dafoe’s character. I think this addition is brilliant. The premise is fantastic: Dafoe plays an action film star who met his end performing his own stunts, leading to his current role as a ghostly law enforcer.

His character embodies a “Miami Vice”-esque vibe, complete with gun-slinging and quipping, which adds a fresh dynamic to the story.

Dafoe is awesome in this role. He brings a unique energy and charisma that perfectly complements the film’s quirky universe.

— Jacob Aloi