Beetlejuice is one of those rare films that sticks with you—not just because of how out-there it is, but because it’s so much fun while being totally bonkers. Directed by Tim Burton (at the height of his wonderfully weird powers), it’s a film that takes you on a ride through the afterlife, but in the most chaotic and whimsical way imaginable.
Let’s start with the basics: The story follows Barbara and Adam Maitland (played by Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin), a married couple who die in a freak accident, only to find themselves haunting their own house. The twist? They can’t seem to scare off the new, obnoxious family that’s moved in, so they call in Beetlejuice, a “bio-exorcist” played by Michael Keaton, to do the dirty work. And that’s when things get really wild.
Michael Keaton is, hands down, the heart of this movie. His performance as Beetlejuice is insane—in the best possible way. He’s crude, mischievous, completely unpredictable, and utterly unforgettable. Even though he doesn’t actually show up until later in the film, every scene he’s in feels like controlled chaos. Keaton somehow makes a sleazy, grotesque con artist feel fun, almost charming, in a way only he could pull off.
What makes Beetlejuice stand out isn’t just the characters, though. It’s Burton’s signature visual style that really pulls you in. The film is full of quirky, over-the-top sets that look like a gothic fever dream. Everything feels off-kilter, from the creepy waiting room of the afterlife to the warped model town that Beetlejuice inhabits. It’s Tim Burton’s imagination running wild, and you can feel his love for the bizarre in every frame.
The supporting cast also deserves some love. Winona Ryder is perfect as Lydia, the gloomy, goth teenager who feels more at home with ghosts than the living. Catherine O’Hara and Jeffrey Jones as the eccentric Deetz family are both hilarious in their roles, with O’Hara’s performance as Delia being a particular standout. Her over-the-top artsy attitude is a perfect contrast to the haunting madness around her.
What’s interesting is how Beetlejuice balances its macabre humor with a certain charm. Sure, the movie is packed with dark comedy and weirdness, but there’s also something oddly heartwarming about it. It explores life, death, and the idea of moving on in a way that doesn’t get too heavy but still resonates. Plus, there’s that killer Danny Elfman score—how can you not hum along to it?
The effects, while dated by today’s standards, add to the movie’s quirky charm. The stop-motion creatures and makeup effects are part of what makes Beetlejuice feel like a live-action cartoon. There’s a tangible, handmade quality to everything, which just enhances the film’s oddball nature.
Sure, the plot is a bit loose, and things sometimes feel like they’re being made up on the spot, but that’s part of the fun. The film isn’t trying to be a polished masterpiece; it’s more like a chaotic, goth fairytale with a sense of mischief and a whole lot of heart.
Conclusion
At its core, Beetlejuice is a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s its biggest strength. It’s playful, twisted, and totally unique—just like its titular character. If you’re in the mood for something weird and wonderful, this is the perfect movie to revisit (or discover). And hey, just remember: don’t say his name three times.
