Review: Beetlejuice, 1988 - ★★★★½
Reviewed on 1-FEB-26
Oh yeah, what was the name of that movie featuring Robert Goulet and Dick Cavett?
They say his name appears in the Epstein files three times.
Probably my favourite Zagnut product placement until How To with John Wilson.
Lost ½ a ★ because I’ve never liked how Alec Baldwin drew the chalk doorknob in the attic.
RIP Catherine O’Hara. She met her future husband, Bo Welch (production designer), on set. 🎥
Oh yeah, what was the name of that movie featuring Robert Goulet and Dick Cavett?
They say his name appears in the Epstein files three times.
Probably my favourite Zagnut product placement until How To with John Wilson.
Lost ½ a ★ because I’ve never liked how Alec Baldwin drew the chalk doorknob in the attic.
RIP Catherine O’Hara. She met her future husband, Bo Welch (production designer), on set. 🎥
Review: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, 2024 - ★★★
Reviewed on 5-FEB-26
OK, so definitely not nostalgically necessary or anybody’s best work, but there’s still something about seeing the old gang (minus convicted sex criminal) back together-ish. Almost not cartoon-y enough. Valiant efforts by Keaton and O’Hara (a touch of Moira Rose’s wigs meets Sheila Albertson’s no-look acting) and a strong introduction to Arthur Conti despite his chalk door suffering a worse fate than the first film because the dang thing opened along the staggered brickwork, not the outline. Something about Lydia’s character just doesn’t quite add up and was deeply unsatisfying. While I’m wish-casting, maybe the Maitlands could have had a voiceover? The extra budget, swapping Calypso for disco, the additional of Delores LaFerve and ham-fisted nod to Italian horror added nothing. Also, someone should have consulted the Handbook for the Recently Deceased about the whole suicide = civil servant thing. There was a new element in this that could make a third film worthwhile, but it would have to really lean into the Chucky meets Grogu vibe associated with that. The Shrinkers could spin off but would probably just end up in a commercial for insurance or tiny hats. 🧢
OK, so definitely not nostalgically necessary or anybody’s best work, but there’s still something about seeing the old gang (minus convicted sex criminal) back together-ish. Almost not cartoon-y enough. Valiant efforts by Keaton and O’Hara (a touch of Moira Rose’s wigs meets Sheila Albertson’s no-look acting) and a strong introduction to Arthur Conti despite his chalk door suffering a worse fate than the first film because the dang thing opened along the staggered brickwork, not the outline. Something about Lydia’s character just doesn’t quite add up and was deeply unsatisfying. While I’m wish-casting, maybe the Maitlands could have had a voiceover? The extra budget, swapping Calypso for disco, the additional of Delores LaFerve and ham-fisted nod to Italian horror added nothing. Also, someone should have consulted the Handbook for the Recently Deceased about the whole suicide = civil servant thing. There was a new element in this that could make a third film worthwhile, but it would have to really lean into the Chucky meets Grogu vibe associated with that. The Shrinkers could spin off but would probably just end up in a commercial for insurance or tiny hats. 🧢