Beetlemania

Rating: 9/10 (13 September 2015)

With all the buzz about a potential – or real now? – sequel to this nearly 30 year old classic, I had to revisit this for only the second time in more than two decades. And wowwhat an incredible movie this was.
My only grip, and this can't be held against Burton as it shows he did EVERYTHING he could with what he was given and entrusted with, was the poor animation trying to trick us as "real." Thisis another reason (from above) that I am truly looking forward to a sequel with a large budget and perfected CGI, if necessary. (Actually, I'm against most CGI – I like real heart and efforts from what I see in film, but some is necessary to showcase a larger world, à la Lord of the Rings.)
But, beyond the beyond cartoons, the movie was brilliant. Absolutely hilarious, extraordinarily original, tight, with great music and a nearly flawless and memorable score. But all that is not to discount the performances
Every single person in this film owned their parts and not once did I not feel one actor out of place. Some stood out, of course, like Ryder's Lydia, Shadix's Otho, Sidney's Juno and obviously, Keaton's dazzling "Beetlegeuse." But, unlike most movies, everyone still worked together wonderfully without having one or a couple steal scenes.
Overall, it's the story, comedic pieces, imagination and characters that drove this very basic haunted house movie into greatness. I'm always willing to put aside my normal distain for such basic movies (far too many haunted house movies have plagued us these last few years) when it gives me something new and fresheven from almost three decades ago.