The Movie Journal

  Beetlejuice (1988) Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice is a morbid, zany classic that proves yet again why the 1980’s was a great decade for these kind of films. It follows the same path of similar films such as The Goonies and Gremlins as family-friendly comedies with a splash of horror that provides big laughs, memorable moments, and horrific scares. I do not care that Burton goes over the top with his set design, makeup, and story. I care that me made a quotable classic for all generations to enjoy. Another reason why this film is so successful? Michael Keaton! Barely recognizable under the many pounds of makeup, he inhabited the role of the cantankerous poltergeist and created a career-defining performance that still may be his best role. And the dude played Batman. Burton first saw success with 1985’s Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure and in a way, both films are similar in the way Burton messes around with images. Now a “bankable” director, he was given many screenplays to choose from. Burton...

  Biloxi Blues (1988) Mike Nichol’s Biloxi Blues is a fun time. It is not The Graduate or Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf , but it is a breezy, light film that benefits from a charismatic Matthew Broderick performance and another exceptional, wacky screenplay from Neil Simon. After the release of Full Metal Jacket the year prior, it seemed to be a surprise that another film about basic training was released so soon. Simon, being the type of screenwriter/playwright he is, took a more light-hearted approach to this story. As a result, we get some funny scenarios that truly made me chortle. This story was based off Neil Simon’s own experiences of his basic training stint during World War II. One could be forgiven if the story plays out like any other movie with similar ideas, but is that not reality? Like any of Simon’s plays or movies, he is able to incorporate some social commentary behind the zaniness. For example, Simon tackles culture clash. Broderick’s character is from New Yor...