‘Beetlejuice’ Review: Revisiting a Tim Burton Classic
It’s always an interesting experience to rewatch a film from your adolescence and see just how well it holds up to the memories. Sometimes the sparkle and shine are still present, filling you with the warm feelings of nostalgia, while at other times the beloved film becomes tarnished as it doesn’t quite live up to the image we have of it in our mind. Going back for that first rewatch of a childhood classic always comes with a bit of apprehension, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve flicked it on. It was with this mindset that I entered into the 1988 horror-comedy Beetlejuice, in preparation for the musical adaptation to arrive at the Fisher Theatre here in Detroit!
Growing up, Beetlejuice wasn’t necessarily my favorite, although, having two older sisters, it was one we often frequented. The dark, yet vibrant, lens in which Tim Burton explored his stories always freaked me out, and yet I couldn’t look away. The macabre nature of Beetlejuice, combined with the director’s unique sense of humor, was something that engaged the senses, even if it gave me nightmares. And yet, Beetlejuice the Musical is one of my absolute favorite shows, so I had to give it another shot. Has my view of Beetlejuice changed now that I’m an adult? Let’s rewind time and take a look at the original film that began it all!
[Warning: spoilers from Beetlejuice are below!]
Calling in some help from the afterlife in Beetlejuice
All Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara (Geena Davis) want is to live a simple life. Residing in a massive house in the countryside of Connecticut, their main wish is to exist without any stress or issues. However, relatively early in the film, their lives dive right off a bridge, bringing Adam and Barbara to their deaths…although they might not realize it immediately. Returning to their beloved country home, with no memory of how they got there, the couple quickly discover that they have become ghosts and have joined a world of the recently deceased.
Some of you might be wondering, what’s the downside of being ghosts in your favorite place, and perhaps Adam and Barbara might initially agree. However, when Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), her father Charles (Jeffrey Jones), and her annoying step-mother Delia (Catherine O’Hara) move into their home, the Maitlands decide they need to take some action. However, when their haunting antics do nothing more than inspire the Deetz to turn the house into a spooky attraction, it’s time to call in some demonic help!
Cue the Ghost-With-The-Most, hell bent on causing chaos! Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) has some tricks up his sleeves to rid Adam and Barbab of those pesky humans, although he has a devious plan of his own. Wanting to remain in the land of the living, he needs to marry a human, and Lydia might be the perfect mark. Can the Maitlands and the Deetz rid themselves of Beetlejuice before it’s too late? Or will the Netherworld descend upon humanity thanks to the devilish Beetlejuice?
Finding appreciation for this Tim Burton film
As I stated above, Beetlejuice wasn’t exactly my favorite film growing up, although I should admit that I don’t typically seek out Tim Burton films. Overall, every film has the same dark and dreary appearance, which is easily recognizable and also something that can alienate some moviegoers. As a child, I watched Disney films, which, compared to Tim Burton’s movies, are the antithesis of that. I’d much rather switch on Beauty and the Beast for the umpteenth time than watch Beetlejuice or The Addams Family.
It’s also been at least a decade, if not two, since I’ve watched the original film; however, I did see the sequel when it arrived in theaters last year. That all being said, my remembrance of Beetlejuice was foggy to say the least. All I could recall was that it was scary and I didn’t care for it much, which is not the experience I had from this most recent watch of the film.
There’s a level of humor to Beetlejuice that I think flew over my head as a child, which I caught on to more now that I’m in my thirties. Sure, that humor is rather crude, and some of the storylines are questionable at best, but I found myself laughing much more than I ever did as a child. Perhaps I have a deeper appreciation for the darkness of the film, as I am now an avid horror fan, although I think it’s because I’m more of the age of Adam and Barbara in the film, and can relate to them much more.
I, too, would rather stay home than go out of my comfort zone. There’s nothing like chilling on the couch and catching up on some of my hobbies; protecting my peace from those who are looking to disrupt that. With that more profound connection to two of the main characters of Beetlejuice, I found myself becoming more pulled into the story.
I can also appreciate the craftsmanship within Beetlejuice, which wasn’t necessarily something I would have noticed before. Tim Burton’s vision is so clear and precise for this story, and it seamlessly comes together from the actors who give some incredible performances, with a particular shout-out to Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder for carrying this film on their shoulders, to the set design and costumes that truly transport audiences to another world.
Some of the film does feel clunky due to effects that haven’t aged as well as some would hope, such as the Sandworms, which just look ridiculous decades later. And, again, as I stated above, some storylines and gags just don’t work in today’s world and feel gross to watch (who approved the Beetlejuice to Lydia bit?), but are perhaps a reflection on when the film was made and how far we’ve come as a society. That being said, there is something to be said about the groundwork that Beetlejuice laid for the franchise’s expansion.
Reflecting on Beetlejuice
This is where Beetlejuice purists might disagree, but I believe the original film laid the groundwork for the musical to excel. If we’re looking at each adaptation separately, then both stand out for different reasons; however, together, the original film pales in comparison to the musical. Beetlejuice the Musical had an excellent blueprint in which to develop its story and create something magical, while also bringing the material into a modern generation. The film is static, stuck in the time in which it was created, with the musical standing as a living, breathing show that continues to adapt and change as the world progresses. That being said, Beetlejuice the Musical wouldn’t be what it was without the film.
If we’re looking at growth, my relationship with Beetlejuice has changed from adolescence to now, with a new outlook on one of Tim Burton’s earlier works. Perhaps, another decade down the road, I’ll find something new to appreciate from Beetlejuice, changing my perspective once again.
Beetlejuice is available for rent on Prime Video! When was the last time you visited this Tim Burton film? Plan on catching the musical adaptation when it comes to a city near you? Let us know on social media @BoxSeatBabes!
Exclusive Interview: Matt Kurzyniec of Beetlejuice The Musical
