Beetlejuice is a 1988 American comedy fantasy film directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin, and Geena Davis. The film tells the story of a recently deceased couple (Baldwin and Davis) who return to their home as ghosts to haunt the new family that has moved in (Keaton and Ryder). However, their efforts are thwarted by a mischievous ghost named Beetlejuice (Keaton).
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $73 million at the box office against a production budget of $15 million. It was praised for its unique visuals, quirky characters, and Burton's signature dark humor. However, the film also drew some criticism for its dark and macabre tone, which some found to be inappropriate for children.
If you're thinking about letting your child watch Beetlejuice, it's important to be aware of the film's content. Here's a parents guide to help you make an informed decision.
beetlejuice parents guide
Dark comedy fantasy film.
- Suitable for ages 13+.
- Mild horror elements.
- Sexual innuendos.
- Strong language.
- Positive messages about friendship and family.
Overall, Beetlejuice is a well-made film with a unique visual style and quirky characters. However, due to its dark tone and adult themes, it is best suited for older children and teenagers.
Suitable for ages 13+.
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has rated Beetlejuice PG-13 for macabre and suggestive humor, mild language, and some thematic elements. This means that the film may be inappropriate for children under 13.
- Macabre and suggestive humor:
The film contains some dark and macabre humor, as well as some sexual innuendos. For example, one scene shows Beetlejuice trying to seduce a female ghost by singing a song called "Day-O" in a suggestive manner. This type of humor may go over the heads of younger children.
- Mild language:
The film contains some mild language, including words like "damn" and "hell." While this language is not excessive, it may be inappropriate for younger children.
- Thematic elements:
Beetlejuice deals with some mature themes, such as death, grief, and the afterlife. These themes may be difficult for younger children to understand and process.
- Positive messages:
Despite its dark tone, Beetlejuice also contains some positive messages about friendship and family. For example, the film shows how the main characters, Lydia and Adam, are able to overcome their differences and work together to defeat Beetlejuice. This message of friendship and cooperation is a positive one for children of all ages.
Overall, Beetlejuice is a well-made film with a unique visual style and quirky characters. However, due to its dark tone and adult themes, it is best suited for older children and teenagers.
Mild horror elements.
While Beetlejuice is not a horror film in the traditional sense, it does contain some mild horror elements that may be too intense for younger children.
For example, the film features several scenes in which Beetlejuice transforms into a variety of grotesque creatures, including a giant snake and a spider. These scenes may be frightening for some children, especially those who are afraid of monsters or insects.
Additionally, the film contains some scenes of violence, such as when Beetlejuice tries to attack Lydia and Adam. While this violence is not graphic, it may still be upsetting for some children.
Finally, the film's overall tone is dark and macabre, which may be unsettling for some children. For example, the film is set in a haunted house, and there are several scenes that take place in a graveyard.
Overall, the horror elements in Beetlejuice are relatively mild, but they may still be too intense for younger children. Parents should use their own judgment to decide whether or not the film is appropriate for their child.