This week my friend introduced me to Tim Burton’s Halloween classic: Beetlejuice. I’ve always wanted to watch this movie, mostly because so many people have. For those who haven’t, Beetlejuice is about a newlywed couple stuck as ghosts, unable to leave their home after an unexpected accident causes them to drown. A new family quickly moves into the house and the newlyweds perform a series of tricks in an attempt to scare them out of their home. Read the full plot summary on Wikipedia.

Beetlejuice is not a horror movie but a whimsical comedy with a spooky theme. It’s a cute Halloween movie that is entertaining for all ages. Although, Beetlejuice’s perverted humor makes it a bit inappropriate for young children. (More on that later) First and foremost, I can’t talk about a Tim Burton movie without talking about Tim Burton. He is a talented artist and animator. Among The Nightmare Before Christmas, Mars Attacks, Corpse Bride, and more, Beetlejuice is a Gothic fantasy film that showcases his famous stop-motion animation. In addition to this, the work of Ve Neill, Robert Short, and Steve Le Porte earned the movie an Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. The hair, makeup, and Gothic decorations perfectly convey the spirit of Halloween.

In addition to the sets and decorations, this film showcases some great acting. Winona Ryder (Will’s mom in Stranger Things) and Michael Keaton were perfect as Lydia and Beetlejuice respectively. Michael Keaton was hilarious as the witty, perverted Beetlejuice. Although some of his jokes are a bit insensitive—it was the 80s after all—the others are sure to make you laugh. The only complaint I have is that Beetlejuice is only on screen for a small part of the movie. His character does not become a significant part of the plot until the end. However, this adds to the suspense of wondering what will happen when someone summons him by uttering the forbidden words “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!”

Lastly, I’d like to highlight the movie’s iconic soundtrack! “Featuring Banana Boat Song (Day-O)” in a scene featuring dinner party guests subjected to performing an involuntary musical number is very entertaining. “Shake, Shake Senora” playing as Ryder’s character Lydia celebrates an A on her math test with the ghost couple is a fun end to the movie.