Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

 

    Director Tim Burton, with his singular visual style, reunites Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara to create a funhouse sequel to the original "Beetlejuice".

     Despite a few visual marvels, the film takes a minute to really take off, especially when a plot point you may think unnecessary takes an important turn.

      In addition to the three returning leads, the film also co-stars Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe, Arthur Conti, Burn Gorman, and in a cameo, Danny DeVito.

      The art direction and visual effects are fantastic, as you would expect from a Tim Burton Film, and as in most of Mr. Burton's films, Danny Elfman composed the score.

       Mr. Keaton is at his madcap best and is a shot of adrenaline every time he is on screen. Ms. O'Hara and Mr. Dafoe, chew the scenery (in a good way) in their respective roles. Ms. Bellucci is the very sexy ex-wife of Beetlejuice who's shapely figure is put together very well...literally. Ms. Ortega is an actress that continues to impress and Ms. Ryder slips back comfortably into her character, Lydia Deetz, albeit with an adult sensibility now.

       The film doesn't break any new ground since the original (although Beetlejuice's shrunken head employees are a hoot) but is lots of nostalgic fun throughout.