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Beetlejuice 2 Review: Overstuffed But Awesome? Tim Burton's Sequel Analyzed!

Beetlejuice 2: A Fun Mess, Just Like Tim Burton's Other Blockbuster!

Beetlejuice 2: Mostly Great, But a Familiar Flaw Haunts It!

Beetlejuice 2 is a big success! Critics and audiences generally love it. It earned a “fresh” 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a pretty good box office haul, proving just how successfully this long-awaited sequel was, after waiting 36 years. It totally captured that nostalgic, quirky charm. It had amazing performances from Michael Keaton (effortlessly back as Beetlejuice) and Jenna Ortega. The use of old-school special effects over CGI created those awesome macabre vibes everyone loves! A successful sequel!

But one common criticism sticks out – it’s too overstuffed. Just like Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland (2010). This film really makes a connection back to one of the earlier works produced, and that shows a similar artistic concern throughout. It creates this same issue found previously which is discussed and explored below. A significant artistic fault which makes for many viewers an unsatisfying experience. A similar issue created by earlier film, made and produced for a very different period. How significant is this?

Also Read: Beetlejuice 2: The Haunting Return of Tim Burton's Classic

Too Many Subplots? A Familiar Problem for Tim Burton

Collage of Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice and Batman Image

Both films get criticised for cramming way too many things in. There’s so many plots, characters, jokes, and visuals all packed in Beetlejuice 2’s script, making it challenging to maintain momentum throughout.  The finale even struggles to really connect with earlier story arcs, leading to a general lack of closure.  

This issue, this excessive cramming affects multiple points within the show: It affects multiple parts of the storyline. That impacted what might have otherwise made those aspects truly shine. Alice in Wonderland suffered this same problem, packed with pointless subplots and too many background characters that didn’t have much contribution and impacted the overall flow. It is very important to mention and remind readers why this specific element is noteworthy. This specific point has a larger history beyond those films being discussed today, and even Tim Burton's production styles can be called into question! 

Also Read: Beetlejuice 2: Is Tim Burton Taking a Shot at Disney? Everything You Need to Know

Why "Overstuffed" Isn't Always a Bad Thing

Monica Bellucci as Delores looking up in Beetlejuice 2 Image

That “overstuffed” problem isn’t really so bad in this case!  Beetlejuice 2 is so wonderfully wacky! It's like a chaotic but ultimately enjoyable joyride—that completely unexpected joyride.  The fast pacing and abundance of those awesome jokes, the fun references and expansion of Burton’s unique world and bringing back beloved characters—this actually contributes greatly to the film’s fun chaos! That problem becomes a smaller concern upon further inspection and analysis, it really makes those plot concerns completely minor compared to its far more awesome aspects.

While some might struggle following every plotline, it’s not overwhelming when experiencing that pure movie joy. Those issues really only come after reflection – while the experience remains generally entertaining and fun.

Also Read: Beetlejuice 2: Jenna Ortega's New Horror Movie with Tim Burton

Conclusion: Beetlejuice 2 is Still a Winner, Despite Its Flaws!

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Film Poster Image

Beetlejuice 2 succeeds enormously despite its excessive cramming and several problematic aspects. It manages this by emphasizing various themes and those entertaining plot points throughout the show. That fast pacing, crazy fun, retaining nostalgic callbacks to the first Beetlejuice while creating this fresh, memorable experience, and successfully introducing beloved characters. All of this helped greatly in creating an engaging overall viewing experience! That “overstuffed” criticism becomes pretty minor considering how many strengths it holds; ultimately an awesome Tim Burton film that fully met those viewer's expectations. The general enjoyment overrules those perceived flaws.

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