Episode 236: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice with Eileen Jones

In this episode of Movie Night Extravaganza, we’re tackling *Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice* with *Eileen Jones* from *Filmsuck Podcast*. This long-awaited sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 cult classic *Beetlejuice* asks the question: “Can Nostalgia IP actually be good?”

We had a ton of fun geeking out over Tim Burton’s unique vision of the afterlife—especially the cinematography, which is pure Burton. We talked about how the film’s quirky mix of practical effects and stop-motion gives it that perfect, slightly grotesque charm. The use of wide angles and exaggerated perspectives makes everything feel off-kilter, reflecting the bizarre world where the dead and living clash in hilarious ways.

We couldn’t stop laughing about Michael Keaton’s absolutely bananas performance as Beetlejuice. The frenetic, handheld camerawork during his wildest scenes really cranks up the chaos, making his character even more unpredictable. Keaton’s ability to chew the scenery is matched perfectly by the cinematography, which feels like it’s barely keeping up with him—in the best way possible. 

Winona Ryder’s goth queen Lydia Deetz gets her own cinematic spotlight, and we loved how the muted color palette of her world contrasts with the bold, chaotic afterlife scenes. The way Burton uses light and shadow to capture her isolation from the bright, cookie-cutter suburbia is masterful—Lydia feels like she’s from a different world entirely, and the cinematography totally nails that alienation. 

Is Tim Burton using Lydia as a stand-in for himself? Both seem stuck between the past and present, trying to connect with a world that’s moved on without them. The panel explores how Burton’s latest movie mirrors his own creative journey, blending his trademark quirky aesthetic with new emotional depth. 

The discussion also got into the set design, with the afterlife scenes feeling like something straight out of a German Expressionist film—sharp angles, skewed proportions, and claustrophobic framing make the underworld feel eerie yet somehow comedic. The strange, dreamlike cinematography heightens the surrealism and adds to the film’s twisted charm. We laughed at how the afterlife looks like a run-down government office—complete with waiting lines!

The stop-motion effects, especially in scenes like the sandworm chase, add to the film’s playful horror vibe. Burton’s choice to use practical effects rather than early CGI gives Beetlejuice a timeless quality, something that feels tangible and, in a weird way, comforting. The exaggerated, almost cartoonish visual style turns what could’ve been a straight horror film into something closer to a dark comedy with heart.

The team also found it difficult to ignore the brilliant use of color in Beetlejuice. The garish neon greens, purples, and reds that dominate the afterlife scenes contrast sharply with the muted tones of the Deetz household and suburban life, visually reinforcing the movie’s theme of worlds colliding. It’s like the film itself is bursting at the seams with energy, just waiting for Beetlejuice to take over.

So, how does *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice* stack up? Fans of the original are loving the mix of practical effects, dark humor, and pure Burton weirdness. And the younger generation? Let’s just say they’re catching onto the Beetlejuice buzz, even if they don’t know what a yuppie is.

Ready for a spooky, hilarious, and visually dazzling journey?
Click here to watch.
We promise it’s more fun than saying “Beetlejuice” three times in a mirror!