“Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice!”
Beetlejuice tells the story of a recently deceased young couple, who after making their way back into their home, soon find out that a new “eccentric” family has moved in. But in the process of trying to scare away the new family, to which no scare tactics seem to work, the young couple enlist the help of a rather nasty deceased man named Beetlejuice. After 31 years, it’s safe to say that Beetlejuice has solidified itself in cult status, making this film a treat that keeps entertaining us year after year.
I’m sure we can all say that Beetlejuice is the epitome of dark comedy. Tim Burton, who was a fairly new director at the time, deals with the subject of death in a more pleasant way. Who ever thought that was possible? Beetlejuice turns each and every character into an embodiment that doesn’t quite fit the status quo. For instance, Adam and Barbara, or the ghosts in the film, come off as the friendliest ghosts we’ve seen, and not those scary supernatural demons we so often see in a horror film. Even Lydia, whose personality is so “utterly” alone and dark, turns out to be than what’s on the exterior. Her persona never quite fitting the image of the “goth girl.” And of course, there’s Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Beetlejuice that, although he is one of the villains of the film, never quite fits the stereotype of that person who wants to wreak havoc a family.
The one thing about Burton’s characters is that they are so unique. They always have such quirks that set them far apart from any characters we’ve seen before. And the way each actor truly embodies their character in this film, no matter how odd said character is, is so enjoyable. The performances from each actor, especially a fresh-faced Winona Ryder, adds that spark that makes this film so entertaining. Beetlejuice is one of those films that everyone should watch at least once in their lifetime. It’s too much of a fun and creative achievement to not see.
Beetlejuice
Directed by: Tim Burton
Starring: Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Jeffrey Jones, and Michael Keaton
Rating:
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