Nerds That Geek Movie Review: 'Beetlejuice'

Written by John Edward Betancourt

​It never ceases to amaze me how science has managed to make our lives better and solve many a problem for mankind over the years. But, despite the incredible strides science has made in knowledge and technology, there are still some things it hasn’t been able to answer, like for instance…what happens to us after we die. We simply haven’t a clue what awaits in the great beyond and while science cannot answer this question for us just yet, our imagination can certainly give it a whirl.
 
Which is why motion pictures and novels serve as a wonderful place to play ‘what if’ when it comes to the Afterlife, since no one can confirm or deny that the story is incorrect in its portrayal of our next steps in death. But while that kind of material often serves as fodder for inspirational and reflective dramas, some filmmakers, like Tim Burton, know exactly how to inject a little showmanship into heavier material such as this, and for proof, look no further than the 1988 film, Beetlejuice.
 
Now this is a motion picture that is near and dear to many people’s hearts simply because it’s more than just a comedic send up of death as a whole, this a wildly unique film on so many levels and really, what we are going to spend a lot of time talking about today over the plot, is what makes this film so special. And really, the first thing that often catches me off guard about this movie, is its portrayal of what the Afterlife looks like and what it’s all about because…nothing changes. Outside of being forced to look at the injury that did you in, it’s business as usual, and you in essence just continue to do your thing for all eternity and that really is a different view on what happens to us after we die since so many stories focus on people finishing unfinished business in order to move on to something far greater in the universe.  

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Plus, another thing that I’ve always enjoyed about this motion picture, is quite frankly its visual style since Burton plays with a lot of different elements here. Because on a moment’s notice, this movie can go from a traditional style and look to something jarring and weird and of course, most of the wild visuals come to fruition in the Afterlife when the Maitland’s finally cross over to see what lies beyond and well, despite the ghoulish nature of the film, some parts of the Netherworld are strikingly and hauntingly beautiful and Burton’s unique aesthetic really shines here and its integration into this film is seamless and it is quite frankly, essential to selling the story.
 
But let’s be honest, there’s one element above all else in this movie that makes it so downright memorable and beloved, and that’s the fact that it is a damn funny film. Which of course, is quite the feat since death is no laughing matter, but the black humor here works, thanks to the comedic talents of the cast and the wild moments they are thrust into, like the dinner scene that we all know and love. However, while the cast does their part, let’s be honest, one man truly shines when it comes to the laughs and that’s Michael Keaton, whose manic and outlandish portrayal of the title character (there’s no way in hell, I’m typing that name more than once) takes the comedy to a whole new level and while he isn’t in the film from beginning to end, he makes every single moment he’s on screen count by stealing every single scene he’s in.
 
If anything, this is one of those films that is outright flawless through and through, since it also features an airtight script that flows perfectly and well, it’s an instant classic in large part due to the fact that it’s so incredibly original and refreshing, and also because it withstands the test of time with ease. Because nothing about this film feels dated after all these years and after revisiting it the other day, I’m still in awe of how the most iconic moments in this movie still generate anticipation and joy and are still as hilarious as they were in theaters all those years ago. In the end, this is simply a magnificent film, and a must own, and if by chance you haven’t seen it, jump in the line and get on that, because you’re definitely missing out.  

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