Beetlejuice (1988)
"The spirits of a deceased couple are harassed by an unbearable family that has moved into their home, and hire a malicious spirit to drive them out."
I've seen almost every Tim Burton film. He's by far one of my favorite directors of all time. Each movie is so stylistic, gothic, and heartwarming (even Sweeney Todd). But it all started here - Beetlejuice. Right from the start, you see the different "Burtonisms" that you see in every Burton movie. Tim Burton has a unique art style that's easy to recognize. And like all his other movies, Beetlejuice really delves deep on very human issues despite the fantasy aspects. And of course it's not a true Burton movie without an enchanting score by Danny Elfman.
Good directors seem to know how to cast their films perfectly. Beetlejuice is no exception here. Catherine O'Hara is a true standout in this movie as Delia. Of course the star of the show is Michael Keaton as the demon himself, an iconic performance if there ever was one. But the only other that can be deemed as icon as Keaton and Beetlejuice is Queen Winona Ryder as the ever iconic Lydia Deetz. Winona's career truly started here, and since this movie she's been worshipped by every little strange and unusual outcast in the world. Even 30 years later she's still praised as a 90s legend and gothic icon and it's always a joy to see her portrayal of Lydia.
When people watch Beetlejuice, I feel like Adam and Barbra's storyline is overshadowed despite them being the main characters with the most screen time. Beetlejuice and Lydia just rightfully steal the show, however the dead couple's plot actually gives interesting insight to Burton's concept of death in the movie. The rules for ghosts and the afterlife are well thought through and add a great level of lore to the story that may go underappreciated.
What should not be underappreciated is the musical adaption of this film. I have to add this here at the end because Beetlejuice fans need to know - the musical is actually amazing. When I watch the movie, all I think about is the musical. When I listen to the musical, all I think about is the movie. Alex Brightman and Sophia-Anne Caruso as Beetlejuice and Lydia simply brought magic to the characters we already knew and loved, both as great tributes to the original cast while giving their own Broadway spin. The songs are fun and have already become essential to my Halloween playlists. And the musical overall is the perfect celebration to the this iconic 80s movie that continues to be symbol for every Halloween season.
My Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆