Beetlejuice (1988) - Practical Effects and Pure Chaos

In this episode of Almost Classic Movies, Jon and Donald kick off spooky season with Tim Burton’s 1988 masterpiece, Beetlejuice. The hosts dive deep into the movie’s strange charm—where the macabre meets the hilarious—and unpack what makes it such a beloved cult classic.

They debate whether being an exterminator counts as “a trade,” discuss how Beetlejuice may have unfairly tarnished the profession, and marvel at the wild practical effects that define Burton’s world. Along the way, they revisit the film’s gothic aesthetic, its unforgettable cast, and Michael Keaton’s unhinged brilliance that turned 17 minutes of screen time into cinematic immortality.

Conversation Highlights:

• 🎃 How Beetlejuice set the tone for Tim Burton’s career
• 🎭 The movie’s perfect mix of horror, humor, and heart
• 🧟‍♂️ Michael Keaton’s wild improv and what made his Beetlejuice iconic
• 🧰 “Is exterminator a trade?” — the episode’s running gag
• 🧩 Why practical effects make Beetlejuice timeless
• 💀 Why it’s more “unnerving” than scary—and why that works
• 📽 The unlikely legacy: from canceled sequels to Broadway musicals

 👉 Is being an exterminator a trade? Tell us in the comments or on Instagram @AlmostClassicMovies.

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