I believe that pretty much everyone who loved the original “Beetlejuice” will also be able to find something to enjoy in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” Because what director Tim Burton serves up here is dripping with nostalgic references. But at the same time, it doesn't come across as a cheap cash grab. The film is far too weird for that and therefore stands out positively from the Hollywood standard pap.

The actors also appear as if they were genuinely excited about the movie. Michael Keaton slips effortlessly back into the role of Betelgeuse, and Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara also deliver good performances. Meanwhile, Jenna Ortega blends into the family structure very well. Playing the daughter of Ryder's Lydia is bordering on perfect casting. But I have to praise Burton in particular, who proves after many years of mediocre work that he can still pull off the eccentric dark fantasy look.

The latter is particularly noticeable in the numerous scenes in the underworld, which are clearly the highlight of the movie for me. There are also a lot of practical effects used, most of which hit the sweet spot between eerie and hilarious. In any case, the movie never gets boring.

The only major negative point for me concerns the villains, besides Betelgeuse. I don't want to reveal exactly who they are, but it's true of both of them that their story seems somehow unfinished. Their first appearance is quite effective, but they are then dropped without much of an impact. For me, this somewhat tarnished the overall result. But overall, I still had a lot of fun.

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