Bloated and unfocused, but still fun
Film critic Jason Evans is on a mission to spread the word
about movies in less time than it takes to raise the dead. His reviews are
exactly 100 words long (99 is too brief and 101 is a mouthful). Here is his
100-word review of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
The Premise: In the decades since Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) first encountered the zany ghost Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), she has become a world famous for her ability to see spirits. But fame has not brought her happiness as she has a terrible relationship with her daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega of Wednesday). But, after the death of Lydia’s father, the mother and daughter find themselves drawn back together as Lydia’s step-mom Delia (Catherine O’Hara) insists on throwing a lavish funeral and the family is soon mixed up with Beetlejuice and other spirits all over again. The film is directed by legendary director Tim Burton and also stars Monica Bellucci and Willem Dafoe.
The 100-words: Though this is a mess of a script that
includes far too many characters and sub-plots (several of which could easily
be axed, I’m looking at you Monica and Willem) it is undeniable that the film
is fun and at least occasionally funny. Keaton’s manic energy is on full
display and the world of the afterlife is full of surprises. Burton’s unique vision
shines in a way it hasn’t in many years and the stellar cast holds your attention.
Though not nearly on the level of the beloved original, I ended up liking this
film more than it probably deserves.
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