Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice #2There is a simple rule to this website. One can only review a film within a week of watching it for the very first time. So yes, given the right reviewer, it would be possible to read a review for Star Wars Episode 4. Indeed amongst my work colleagues are those who have never seen Die Hard, Back To The Future or Withnail & I.  And yet it would seem, according to them, that I too am a heathen for I have never seen Tim Burtons’ classic from 1988 until today!

I guess my main concern would be that it too childish. Michael Keaton is not my favourite actor and sure enough he hams up this part like he were Jim Carey’s drama teacher. But mercifully (and surprisingly) his character does not dominate the film as heavily as its title may suggest. Instead Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis play a recently deceased couple tasked with the seemingly impossible job of haunting away the new residents to their former property. Their journey and experiences on the other side are precisely what you’d expect from Tim Burton’s imagination though sadly the production is not as polished as, say, Terry Gilliam.

Beetlejuice #1The new owner intruders are headed up by matriarch Delia Deetz, played by Catherine O’Hara and eerily reminiscent of Madeleine Khan. Her husband Charles Deetz, played by 80’s favourite Jeffrey Jones (he of Ferris Bueller fame) is sadly too nice and likeable. I want my character actors to play their typecast! Their goth daughter (Winona Ryder) plays a pivotal role in the story. I’m sure the fact that she was a goth is hilarious in the 80’s. Bit anodyne now.

For parents everywhere, I imagine this film will shut their children up for an hour or so. It’s as harmless as Casper the friendly ghost and suitable for 6 to 12 year olds. Cos the film is quite childish! Though with films like Men in Black doing similar effects only better, I doubt it needs to feature too highly on your list.

[rating=2]

Posted in 1980's

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