'Beetlejuice'—A Movie Review

Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse, Bet—No! Don’t even think about saying his name a third time! You’re really going to regret it!

Hitting cinemas in 1988, Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice was a critical success among audiences. Upon their deaths in a car accident, the Maitlands are trapped in their house as a new eccentric family moves into their home. Now they must scare them away in this dark comedy.

I remember watching this film a long time ago. Beetlejuice is a strange film, to say the least. It has become one of my favorites. The acting, comedy, and bizarre setting gives this film an edgy dark touch. I really love the clay animation, too. The makeup and special effects are quite startling at times.

Director, Tim Burton has a really unique and dark imagination. I have always enjoyed his movies. Burton creates a unique touch so that all his stories are different. Some notable films he has worked on is Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, A Nightmare Before Christmas, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Burton chose a strong cast for this memorable work. Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis star as Adam and Barbara Maitland who have to adjust to the life of being dead. They have great onscreen chemistry and balance one another out.

I just had a thought. What would Beetlejuice be like if it were made today? Do you think Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen would have played the main parts? Think about that.

A few other notable faces are in this ghostly tale. Winona Ryder stars as Lydia, the goth-child with a dark personality. She can see the Maitlands while others cannot. Ryder is an instant hit and I will never forget her unique dark personality.

Jeffrey Jones and the hectic Catherine O’Hara star as Lydia’s parents. O’Hara is the perfect actress to carry out ultimate hysteria. Just watch her in HomeAlone. The late Glenn Shadix performs as Otho, a friend of Delia’s who has a somewhat of a passion for the paranormal world.

I cannot forget to mention the magnificent Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse. Definitely one of Michael Keaton’s best roles! As his character is described Keaton plays a figure that has "lived in every time period but no time period." Keaton hammed up his role throwing in some of the best improvisations. If he weren’t in this movie Beetlejuice would not be the dark comedy audiences continue to love.

Tim Burton has never been afraid to take a risk within the world of dark comedy. Beetlejuice explores the world of the dead. Ghostly themes are my favorite! Why is a ghost still staying on earth when they don’t have to be around anymore? The Maitlands even walk into the world of the dead where many engrossing deformed lost souls live.

The best scene of all in Beetlejuice is the Maitlands cursing the new residences to dance around the table singing, "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)." It is laughing out loud funny! The actor's hilarious expression and movements are so genuine in the scene.

I constantly replay this song on Youtube for a good laugh. I’ll even sing along and copy the different mannerisms. Come on, you have to admit it’s a scene you wish that you could have been a part of.

Beetlejuice may not be a film for everyone. Dark comedy isn’t everyone’s taste, especially the theme about death. I would suggest to watch it a second time to let it grow on you. Go watch this film and have a laugh. Beetlejuice is a cult classic.

Welp, now that I have said the name about 11 times I should be expecting a visit.