Beetlejuice

Fresh from the success of “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure,” Tim Burton became an established film director. One day, he pays a visit to his friends, Michael McDowell & Larry Wilson. Tim read their first draft titled, “Beetlejuice.” At first, the story’s darker, gorier with the Maitlands as bloody corpses and the titular character’s kills his victims and crossing a huge line. You don’t wanna know the details. If you wish to look up the first draft, you’ll be shocked.

McDowell & Larry wrote another draft with a different ending. Then, Warren Skaaren revised elements of the script with a comedic tone, surreal parts, Beetlejuice as a likable villain and a happy ending. You can Google the rest of Beetlejuice’s behind-the-scenes history.

Released in 1988, (same year Who Framed Roger Rabbit came out) it became a critical and commercial hit. Beetlejuice spawned a cartoon, video games, merchandise, t-shirts, costumes, action figures and a musical.

First time I heard of Beetlejuice was the cartoon I used to watch on Cartoon Network. I eventually watched the movie. I recently rewatched it to prepare for the upcoming sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” The first movie’s included on Max’s hub, Turner Classic Movies. Meaning, it stands the test of time for future generations like “The Wizard of Oz.” I’ll remind you that the sequel will be released on September 6, 2024. Cinemark & Regal are selling popcorn buckets in an attempt to follow Dune’s popcorn bucket. Get them while supplies last!

It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are present.

ALIVe & Undead Aspects

Alive: Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara & Jeffrey Jones (a real-life sicko) all did a fantastic job for their respective performances.

Tim Burton did a decent job directing.

Michael McDowell & Larry Wilson co-wrote the script filled with memorable dialogue listed below.

• I’ve seen The Exorcist 167 times!
• And don’t forget you’re talking to a dead guy!
• What do you think of this?
• Nice f***in’ model! (My favorite line)
• We’ve come for your daughter, Chuck.
• Wel’ll have a little bite, something to nosh.
• Go ahead, make my millennium.
• I’m the ghost with the most babe.
• It’s showtime!
• Attention K-Mart shoppers!
• Nobody says the b word!

Danny Elfman orchestrated an unforgettable soundtrack. Especially the main theme.

Practical Effects and Stop Motion were heavily involved. Back when Mr. Burton didn’t rely on excessive C.G.I.

Set Pieces built the Maitland’s house and village.

Prosthetic Makeup transformed Keaton into Beetlejuice.

Pacing didn’t take forever going from Point A to Point B.

Cinematography didn’t succumb to technical issues.

Humor’s got a lot of funny moments. Some risqué jokes I didn’t get when I was a kid.

If you wanna spice things up a notch, take a sip every time somebody utters out, Beetlejuice. Always drink water or non-alcoholic beverages. I don’t encourage alcohol poisoning.

I’m giving this movie credit for introducing me to Harry Belafonte’s “Banana Boat” song. Lil Wayne later sampled it for “Six Foot Seven Foot.” Whenever I hear Banana Boat, I’ll forever think of that silly dance possession scene.

Robert Goulet (Mikey’s singing voice from Recess) appears as Charles’ manager.

Tony Cox (Bad Santa) makes a brief appearance as a wedding minister wearing an alien lookin’ mask.

Harry the Hunter’s (shrunken head guy) probably my favorite character. He’s underrated.

Remember that weeding ring on a severed finger? That belongs to Beetlejuice’s ex-wife. She’ll appear in the sequel.

After the Maitlands sent Beetlejuice to the afterlife, he’s last seen in a waiting room. The sequel will explain how me got out. Too bad, Alec & Geena won’t reprise their roles. The former had legal issues at the time when a prop gun killed a crew member on the set of Rust. The latter’s not doing anything other than running the Geena Davis Institute on Gender Media. Basically, a non-profit organization for equal representation of men and women in show biz.

Dead: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Tim and his crew an Extra Point for making a flawless movie as possible.

The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!

Beetlejuice still holds up. If you’re prepping up for the sequel, rewatch the first one to refresh your memory.