Review of Beetlejuice (1988) by Matthew D — 20 Feb 2016

Morbid humor is abundant in Beetlejuice!

Tim Burton directed his 1988 experimental film infusion of fantasy and comedy with superfluous creativity. Beetlejuice utilizes ghastly makeup, gothic costuming, spooky lighting, and cute mini models. Beetlejuice uses every movie making trick for its delightful practical effects. The sand worm is the only effect that does not really hold up as its primarily CGI. These real efforts along with Burton's own highly imaginative world to depict the recently deceased makes Beetlejuice timeless.

The humor of Beetlejuice is largely still funny to me. However, I found a lot of the more mature jokes at the expense of the female characters to be distasteful. Beetlejuice is probably the darkest family comedy ever made. I think most audiences will still find laughter around every one of Beetlejuice's quirky corners.

Danny Elfman's whimsical score is certainly still charming. His bombastic style fits Burton's directorial style like a tailored glove. The more childish pieces are apt to Beetlejuice's carefree attitude, while Elfman's scarier swells build up Beetlejuice's eerie atmosphere. Furthermore, I might add that Elfman's musical accompaniment is practically the sonic template to many of his later compositions. This is peak Burton and Elfman collaboration!

Lastly, I have to mention Beetlejuice's iconic casting. From a young Winona Ryder, dressed in goth chic, as our adorable protagonist. To the Michael Keaton's hectic and heinous portrayal of the titular character Beetlejuice. This movie has so many fun performances. I loved seeing legendary interviewer Dick Cavett's cameo as a stuffy manager. Similarly, it is great entertainment to see Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis play up the foolish ghosts. Likewise, Catherine O'Hara and Jeffrey Jones play the most out of their depth parents in cinema history. Everyone is as enjoyable on screen as possible thanks their great acting.

In short, Beetlejuice is still worth watching, preferably around Halloween, but it holds up with its morbid delights. By the sheer audacity of Tim Burton's bizarre choices, Beetlejuice would go on to sky rocket Burton's rising career as an odd, unique, yet innovative director. This is a comedy classic for families!