lasting charm and offbeat humor

Rating: 7/10 (30 November 2001)

[possible spoilers] Having nearly forgotten this 13-year-old film, I recently took it down off the shelf to watch it again, and was reminded of its enduring charm. An offbeat and original story line, an intelligent and witty script, some truly off-the-wall special effects and scene-setting, and an essentially warmhearted and gentle tone make this a movie that has possibilities of attaining the status of a minor classic. Michael Keaton of course steals the show as Betelgeuse (pronounced Â‘beetle-juice') an indefinable creature of the nether regions, whose manically offensive crudeness comes close to moving beyond repulsive to endearing. It is a unique characterization, but then never before - or since - has such a character been committed to cellulose. Provides a very enjoyable evening's entertainment, and leaves a surprising feeling of well-being, as ghosts and humans live happily ever after.