daft fun which leaves you with a smile on your face

Rating: 8/10 (7 June 2005)

SPOILERS In 2005, Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is due to be released in a new film starring Hollywood golden boy Johnny Depp. Depp has previously worked on many occasions with the films director, the brilliant Tim Burton. Burton over the years has released some truly classic films, but perhaps his finest work is one of his earliest pieces entitled "Beetlejuice". Hilarious from the start to finish, this early Burton feature does feel dated by modern standards but with a Harry Belafonte soundtrack and some outstanding performances, it's impossible not to finish watching this film with a smile on your face.
Happy in their perfect home, things go hideously wrong for Adam and Barbara (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) when they are in a fatal accident. Now residing in their house, the deceased pair can only watch as eccentric couple Charles and Delia (Jeffrey Jones and Catherine O'Hara) move in. Working with the new couples Gothic daughter Lydia (a young Winona Ryder) the couple also accidentally unleash the sadistic Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) upon the world. Things may never be the same again.
Whether Baldwin, Jones or Keaton, you need never look far to see a quality performance. With a cast of recognisable faces, the film is pulled along by a cast who know how to deliver a line. Michael Keaton in particular is superb as the deranged title character. We never really learn to hate Beetlejuice, but simultaneously he doesn't grow on us. Psychotic and horny, the character is someone we love to see on the screen, but simultaneously we know it'd be a nightmare to have to spend any time with him.
The other surprising thing about "Beetlejuice" is it's long running tribute to the works of musician Harry Belafonte. Two scenes are based around his songs and for hours afterwards you do find yourself singing these songs. Whether this takes away from the film is questionable, but one is definitely true in that the appearance of the songs gave them a new lease of life and there are huge numbers of us out there who only associate Belafonte's work with this film. It is a good partnership though.
The beautiful thing about "Beetlejuice" is it's obscure and surreal plot. With so many random moments, including the irrelevant appearance of the Belafonte songs, it thrives on the fact you never know what is going to happen next. The plot is brilliant and with Tim Burton's direction, it remains hilarious throughout.
Directed years before his bigger hits, "Beetlejuice" is one of the, if not THE, finest films Tim Burton has ever directed. Hilarious throughout, the film succeeds due to some great acting, some excellent directing, a brilliant soundtrack and an increasingly obscure plot. It is great fun and deserves all the praise it can get.