It's Halloween Time! That means Clifton Park's House on Haunted Hill, presented by CPFunHouse.cjb.net
VIDEO: "Beetlejuice" featuring "Dirty Harry" by Gorillaz
Ah, Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice... Now while Tim Burton's sensibilities can sometimes be a little off putting to me (or as some of my early childhood experiences would describe "scary as shit"), but when he's using his dark sensibilites with a touch of humor, that's my kinda movie. I don't think that there's been a film in history before or since this one that put such humorous touches on death, but from the beginning death scene of our main couple the Maitlands (caused by a cute little puppy) through to the scene stealing performance of the title character himself, Beetlejuice cements itself as one of the cornerstones of horror-comedy.
As the Maitlandss come to terms with the afterlife and the adjustments of continuing on in the world of the living with such an impairment, they accidentally unleash the "Ghost With the Most" himself, unknowingly bringing further supernatural chaos on the living family that has recently moved in. What can be said about Alec Baldwin & Geena Davis as Adam & Barbara Maitland? Well, they certainly look young. Both do a fine job with Baldwin showing the comedic talents that keep him relevant on 30 Rock today. Catherine O'Hara begins to carve her niche in the "mom-on-film" category on the way to getting Home Alone by playing the uptight new owner of the house, married to the pedophile principal from Ferris Bueler with their shoplifter daughter Winona Ryder. What a dysfunctional family.
Looks just like my family portraits.
The main players all work well with Tim Burton, but none of the other cast is as shining an example as Michael Keaton, who Burton would work with again the year after Beetlejuice on the original Batman blockbuster. Despite barely being present for half the movie as the titular character, anytime Beetlejuice comes on the humor is fast and furious. I still remember the "Nice fuckin' model!" line being the most repeated movie quote in my house with me and my brother before Beavis & Butt-head even had the chance to corrupt us; though nothing as vulgarly awesome was ever said on the follow-up cartoon, Beetlejuice still managed to get a Saturday morning time-slot of his own.
Another multi-Burton contributor has his touches on the flick as well, as the score from Danny Elfman keeps the mood just right (as if Elfman could ever do wrong there). Even with it's use of stop-motion claymation, the ghoulish effects never seem too overly cartoonish. The movie has held up to the test of time, becoming one of Tim Burton's landmar films and even winning an Oscar for make-up effects.
The fact that the green hair look actually looks normal = Oscar Win
To highlight such a humorful look at the afterlife, something about the song "Dirty Harry" by Gorillaz struck just the right chord. Gorillaz have always been good as hitting all sorts of "feels" with their music, which is definitely one of the strong unique qualities of Beetlejuice, making them work together well.
So with that, here's an early bonus for the 3rd Dizzle Halloween themed update for October: Tim Burton's Beetlejuice featuring "Dirty Harry" by Gorillaz.
We'll have the next horror filled highlights for ya on Sunday. --Tommy Dizzlemits
VIDEO: Tom Turkizzlemits's Thanksgiving Announcement! (added 11/25)
BLOG #4: "Pre-Halloweenie" [Dizzlemits on Fridaythe13thFilms.com!] (added 10/29)
VIDEO: "The Dark Knight" featuring "Right in Two" by Tool (added 10/29)
VIDEO: "Little Shop of Horrors" featuring "Electro-Lude" by Hyper (added 10/28)
VIDEO: "Grosse Pointe Blank" featuring "Falling Down (The Prodigy Remix)" by Oasis (added 10/21)
VIDEO: "Freddy vs. Jason" featuring "Wolf Like Me" by TV on the Radio (added 10/18)
