Tim Burton's comic tale of spooks and the afterlife is a visual feast
that leaves sides aching, thanks to Michael Keaton's superb eponymous
ghoul. Davis and Baldwin play a cute couple who die but cannot leave
their home. When an odious, nouveau chic family from hell move in, they
call on Betelgeuse, a bio-exorcist with a mean streak... The film is
best summed up by Danny Elfman's score: all rolling tickles and cheeky
winks, with the occasional grisly thwack to keep you on your toes.
Burton's future problems (structural negligence, pat
characterisations) are present, but overshadowed by the enormous
visual verve on display.
