150 Word Reviews: 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' (2024)
It's good It's good
The best part of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was re-watching director Tim Burton's unlikely 1988 masterpiece Beetlejuice, a macabre ghost story sendup featuring a standout performance from Michael Keaton as a fast-talking, prank-loving ghoul. A year later, Keaton hit it big as Batman, but imagine if he had nurtured his knack for hyperactive comedy before Jim Carrey blew up.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a cynical, overstuffed legacy sequel and a joyful reunion, a pleasant Hollywood 'remember when' that introduces too many all-new characters when all anyone wants is to spend more time with Keaton, Winona Ryder as late Reagan-era goth icon Lydia Deetz, and her daffy stepmom, played by Catherine O'Hara. However, Jenna Ortega is a welcome weirdo, and Justin Theroux excels as a weasel. Good news: the sandworm is back.
After spending decades directing boring CGI spectacles, Burton tries to return to his demented roots, but you can't go haunted home again.
Random Ranking
Top 5 Tim Burton Movies
5. 'Edward Scissorhands' (1990)
4. 'Mars Attacks!' (1996)
3. 'Pee-wee's Big Adventure' (1985)
2. 'Batman Returns' (1992)
1. 'Ed Wood' (1994)
New 150 Word Review: ‘Rebel Ridge’ (2024)
Editor’s Note
Howdy. In the coming weeks, I will offer a paid subscription option to this small but mighty newsletter. Here’s what you get for $5 a month or $50 a year:
Long-ish Movie Essays Full Of Feelings
Access To The Archives—Dozens & Dozens Of Mercifully Short™ Reviews
Coming Soon: An Amusing Quiz For People Who Like All Kinds Of Movies
New 150 Word Reviews will continue to stay free—as will my love. This started out as a fun side project ten months ago, and I appreciate everyone who signed up. But I’d like this project to grow and mutate like a xenomorph. With a little more support, I can probably become a rich and powerful movie newsletter writer.
Anyway, here’s my essay about Hook (1990) from last week—I got some great responses. As always, let me know what you think. I sit in a dark, windowless room all day and welcome your correspondence.
New 150 Word Reviews: 'Matewan' (1987)
New 150 Word Reviews: 'Romy and Michele's High School Reunion' (1997)
Matewan is so underrated, it deserves to be regarded as a true classic. I couldn't believe it was Chris Cooper's first film role, he was so confident and commanding. I'm due for a rewatch especially in light of James Earl Jones' passing - he's wonderful in this, if maybe a bit underutilized.
Now do 150 words on why the planet Saturn is part of the afterlife!