Everyone’s Favorite Classic ‘Beetlejuice’ At The Dietrich For Halloween

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 34 years since movie audiences were introduced to the “ghost with the most.” The 1988 Tim Burton movie became a hit during its initial theatrical run and ultimately garnered quite a fan base over the next couple decades.

And, on October 26th, you can see this beloved ‘80s classic on the big screen at the Dietrich, as part of their Dietrich Film Favorite Series.

Now, for those who need a little refresher, after Barbara and Adam Maitland die in a car accident, they find themselves stuck hosting their country residence, unable to leave the house.

When the unbearable Deetzes and teen daughter Lydia buy the home, the Maitlands attempt to scare them away without success.

Their efforts attract Beetlejuice, a rambunctious spirit whose “help” quickly becomes dangerous for the Maitlands and innocent Lydia.

‘Beetlejuice’ is, without a doubt, one of Tim Burton’s best. And, it’s one of those movies that can still be amusing no matter how many times you have watched it.

The 1988 flick still keeps you entertained and features numerous hilarious, yet memorable moments. One of the most memorable sequences is the “calypso” scene where the Maitlands make the Deetzes and their dinner guests dance to “Day-O (Banana Boat Song)” by Harry Belefonte. That scene is loads of fun and is still very hysterical.

Of course, I have to mention the awesome job that Michael Keaton did in his performance. His role of the titular character Beetlejuice will always be one of his absolute best. Keaton is extremely funny in this film and it shows how talented the actor can be.

‘Beetlejuice’ also has a unique atmosphere and a “B” movie vibe (which is

something Burton purposely did). The effects are still really cool looking and the movie itself is very creative and original. This is definitely a movie that everyone should see once or twice or even more than that!

The cast: Alec Baldwin as Adam; Geene Davis as Barbara; Catherine O’Hara as Delia; Jeffrey Davis as Charles; Glenn Shadix as Otho; Sylvia Sidney as Juno; Robert Goulet as Maxie Dean; Dick Cavett as Bernard; Winona Ryder as Lydia and Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse (the character name’s actual spelling).

‘Beetlejuice’ was written by Michael McDowell (Thinner) and Warren Skaaren (Batman; Beverly Hills Cop II) and directed by Tim Burton (Dumbo; Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children; the upcoming Netflix series Wednesday).

Following the success of 1985s ‘Pee Wee’s Big Adventure,’ Burton became a “bankable” director and began working on a script for ‘Batman.’ While Warner Bros. at the time wasn’t willing to green-light ‘Batman,’ Burton had become disheartened by the lack of imagination and originality in the scripts that had been sent to him - until he saw the script for ‘Beetlejuice.’

With a production budget of $15 million, only $1 million was set aside for the visual effects. Considering the scale and scope of the effects, which included stop motion, replacement animation, prosthetic make-up, puppetry and blue screen, it was always Burton’s intention to make the style similar to the “B” movies he grew up with as a child.

Over the years, there have also been rumblings of a potential sequel. And, at times, there has been one in development. So, come on Warner Bros … bring on ‘Beetlejuice 2’!

‘Beetlejuice’ is showing at the Dietrich on October 26 at 1 pm and 7 pm.

What did you think of this 1988 classic, and with the popularity of legacy sequels, do you think there should be a sequel? Let me know on my Wyoming County Press Examiner reviews page and keep checking on Facebook to see what I’m reviewing next!