Share

cover art for #120 - Beetlejuice (1988) - The Charm and Significance of Horror Aimed Towards a Younger Audience

The Cinedicate: Film & TV Podcast

#120 - Beetlejuice (1988) - The Charm and Significance of Horror Aimed Towards a Younger Audience

Season 5, Ep. 20

The word "Beetlejuice" has become almost synonymous with the horror genre, much like how saying "Candyman" three times would invite the titular character. It's a fan-favorite classic that's been around for decades and has definitely influenced numerous horror movies since. Joining this episode is Rainier, the creative mind behind Horror4Kids, a horror account dedicated to highlighting the art of showcasing the genre of horror to a younger audience. Beetlejuice perfectly fits into the category of being kid-friendly horror with an edge.


The movie provided an excellent balance of horror and comedy that was geared towards younger audiences, but still enjoyable for adults. It brought out spooky themes and was the kid version of Candyman that even kids could handle, thus inching the horror genre towards what it is today. With today's technology, it would be great to see a sequel or a remake of Beetlejuice, something that's more mind-blowing and electrifying. We're hoping to witness the possibility of snakes in Saturn, something that would undoubtedly make a superb addition to the movie's legacy.


----------


Follow Horror4Kids on Twitter


----------


Support The Cinedicate on Patreon


Connect with The Cinedicate on these social platforms!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinedicate/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cinedicate/

Discord: https://www.cinedicate.com/discord

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 44. #144 - Sound of Freedom: Exploring the Controversy of Tim Ballard's Savior Complex and QAnon Connections

    01:49:40
    In our latest deep dive, host Armand leads an intense discussion with guests Doug and Aaron about the controversial film "Sound of Freedom." This film, centered on Tim Ballard's quest to combat child trafficking, has sparked a spectrum of reactions. As the conversation unfurled, we dissected the film's narrative and its real-world implications, all while examining the unsettling allegations centered around its real-world figure, Tim Ballard.What to expect from the episode:- A robust debate around the ethical representation of child trafficking in media- Critical analysis of Tim Ballard’s associated controversies and Operation Underground Railroad’s practices- Insights into the movie's marketing strategies and its appeal to specific audience demographicsEpisode Chapters:00:00 Intro01:24 Film lacks depth, overshadowed by surrounding real-world controversies.11:21 Appealing to conservative demographics led to film's success.12:18 Angel Studios raised funding through unique investment model.21:34 Criticisms against Operation Underground Railroad.26:23 Lingering unresolved trauma.29:28 Movie highlights good versus bad with societal indifference.37:38 Tim Ballard's sexual misconduct allegations.43:57 Depicting child abduction in film.47:41 Film's QAnon portrayal garners widespread criticism.55:44 Controversy stirred by Jim Caviezel's QAnon allegiance.01:00:35 Movie promotion hindered by ideological commitment issue.01:04:41 Concerns over fabricating enemies for personal gain.01:10:03 Justifying deceit for a supposed greater good.01:14:13 Individual battles internal struggles through altruistic actions.01:22:20 Mixed opinions on movies with Christian elements.01:26:07 Protagonist saves the day in unconventional manner.01:31:25 Controversy surrounding Jim Caviezel's motivations.01:37:52 Unconventional release strategy for late 90s movie.01:39:49 Film adaptation targeted at mainstream audience.01:48:25 Outro and reasons not to watch Sound of Freedom.----------Listen to Aaron on his podcast, WSTR: Galactic Public AccessConnect with Doug Levinson on his Twitch Channel----------The Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community
  • 43. #143 - Andrei Tarkovsky's Stalker: Interpreting the Labyrinth of Desire and Danger

    02:00:09
    We’ll explore the intricate details of Tarkovsky's work, his refusal to adhere to genre conventions and the haunting beauty found in unexpected locations. Our exchange will also touch upon the drastic differences "Stalker" showcases from the original novel and how this film transforms into a fantasy-like odyssey. Mike weighs in on Tarkovsky’s storytelling approach, emphasizing time and pacing over mechanics, while Diego reflects on the thematic resonance and the spiritual cautions against materialism.Our chat takes a somber turn as we delve into the toxic filming environment that tragically mirrored the bleakness on screen and consider Tarkovsky’s own tragically short life. We juxtapose the societal implications of his films against the backdrop of the USSR’s industrial progression, and touch on what could have been Tarkovsky's perspectives if he had witnessed events like the Chernobyl disaster.----------Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:09 Protagonist guides through danger, becomes spiritual.10:53 Finding meaning in everyday things.14:16 Visible to invisible danger, stakes are obfuscated.20:21 Tarkovsky's deliberate pacing clashed with Soviet expectations.25:42 Societal confusion, modern world complexity.33:30 Tarkovsky's view on science and Marxism's impact on society.36:09 USSR's view on waste and aesthetics.43:26 Film manipulation creates cynicism towards beauty.45:13 Perceptions of beauty in Russia.54:41 Shift from rapid development to ethical construction.57:10 Chernobyl: amateur mistakes, leadership failure, lack of education.01:01:48 Societal development at the cost of human lives.01:08:11 Science exploring inner mind.01:14:42 Struggle with modern life, yearning for simplicity.01:17:47 Centralized development.01:23:34 Comparison of fantasy and science fiction storytelling (Solaris & LotR.)01:33:49 Creativity is about personal exploration.01:39:12 Stalker demands the viewer's attention.01:43:58 Tarkovsky: Start with "The Mirror" or "Ivan's Childhood," then consider "Stalker."01:47:39 View Solaris before Stalker for context on deep ideas.01:53:14 Nostalgia and time.01:56:55 Chicken nuggets, Debating on next film, and Outro.----------The Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community
  • 42. #142 - Saint Maud: Blurred Realities and Extreme Devotion

    01:31:18
    🎬 The Cinedicate host Armand and guests from ReShoot Film Podcast, Hector and Ed, grapple with the unnerving tale of a pious nurse whose grip on reality blurs with her religious fervor. "Saint Maud" serves as our case study as we dissect aspects of spirituality, mental illness, and the highs and lows of cinematic storytelling. 🎥Episode Chapters:00:00 Intro01:41 First impressions on Saint Maud11:48 Unreliable narration and schizophrenia.13:36 Religious beliefs impacted by mental illness.21:05 The descent into obsession and the distortion of reality.29:27 Divinity vs Demonic.34:35 Getting high.39:47 Unsettling scenes in Saint Maud.46:35 Sam Remi-esque horror twist.50:54 Jesus renamed his disciples.55:44 Meaning behind making creative decisions.01:02:10 Catharsis.01:04:01 Controversy over Saint Maude.01:10:45 Is Maud a Femcel?01:17:10 Poor Things.01:24:34 Armand defending his love for the Super Mario Brothers movie.01:30:12 IMAX Recreation and Outro.----------Listen to Hector and Ed on their podcast, ReShoot: An Amateur's Guide to Gooder Film----------The Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community
  • 41. #141 - Poor Things: Freedom and Feminine Autonomy

    01:28:48
    This episode explores the wild narrative of Poor Things featuring Emma Stone's character, Bella, who is an adult women with a transplanted brain of a newborn examining themes of autonomy and societal expectation. Joined by the hosts of First Prize Films, we delve into the film's sexuality, humor, and standout performances amidst wider discussions on cinema's future. A poignant deep-dive into a film that straddles art house and mass appeal, this is an episode that cinephiles and mainstream audiences alike won't want to miss.Chapters:00:00 Intro06:54 The return of crowded theaters.17:13 Trust in the director's vision and Poor Things' unexpected plot.25:26 Duncan's power challenged by Bella's freedom.31:36 Societal cruelty and generational trauma.37:12 Personal growth, purpose, life reality.39:55 Wealth disparity and naivety.45:45 Godwin's internal struggle with parental responsibility.54:38 Recognition of art house in award shows01:00:13 Resurgence of independent cinema and the decline of big-budget studio films.01:01:19 Marvel exhaustion.01:11:00 Oscar speculations.01:14:03 Barbenheimer01:19:59 The universal themes of Poor Things01:25:22 Outro----------Listen to Blake and Dave on their podcast, First Prize Films.----------The Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community
  • 40. #140 - Lisa Frankenstein - A Midwestern Gothic Tale

    01:06:36
    In today's ghoulishly delightful episode, we have our esteemed guest Ali resurfacing to explore the electric sparks of 'Lisa Frankenstein'. Buckle up as Armand, your host through the realm of reels, teams up with Ali to dig into the undead threads of this cult cinematic spectacle. We'll stitch together themes from Diablo Cody's universe, unravel the impact of streaming specters on traditional movie mausoleums, and dissect the body parts of our favorite scenes.Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction10:18 Unintended Consequences, Fitting in, and Transformation14:47 Trespassing, Ghosts, and Bachelor's Grove18:26 Beauty Taming the Beast23:48 Desire for Female-Centric Comedies31:00 Family conflict in Lisa Frankenstein35:49 Discussion highlights themes and important points.44:08 Discussing potential sequel as "Bride of Frankenstein"50:20 Plan to save movie theaters56:10 Favorite scenes in Lisa Frankenstein01:01:05 Lisa Frankenstein: The Musical01:04:50 Outro and Ali's Upcoming Book----------Follow Ali on X----------Support Cinedicate on PatreonThe Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community
  • 39. #139 - The Cinedicate Holiday Party (Part 2) - Lights, Camera, Trivia!

    50:20
    From the Red 5 Stage at WSTRmedia Studios, the holiday festivities continue as Aaron and Ali return to participate in the first ever Jeopardy Trivia Game! Join on all the fun and test your movie trivia skills along with all of us.----------Listen to Aaron on his podcast, WSTR: Galactic Public AccessFollow Ali on X----------Support Cinedicate on PatreonThe Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community
  • 38. #138 - The Cinedicate Holiday Party (Part 1) - Silent Night (2023) - The Importance of Dialogue, Visual Storytelling, and John Woo's Return to Filmmaking

    01:08:08
    Silent Night is a movie that has sparked mixed reactions from viewers. Directed by renowned filmmaker John Woo, it was chosen for review at a holiday party due to its unique premise of being a silent action film. However, some viewers, particularly fans of Woo's previous work, felt that the absence of dialogue hindered their engagement with the story and characters. While a movie without dialogue can be an intriguing experiment, it may not always fully satisfy the viewers' desire for a complete narrative. Dialogue complements visual storytelling by adding layers of complexity and depth to the storytelling. It allows for conversations and exchanges that can reveal characters' intentions, emotions, and conflicts in a more direct and relatable way.This raises the question of the importance of dialogue in movies and the power of visual storytelling. Additionally, the use of Christmas as a framing device in Silent Night has sparked debate, with some questioning its significance to the overall plot. This episode will explore these aspects of the film, as well as delve into John Woo's filmography, the portrayal of complex characters, and the missed opportunities in portraying villains.Read More on Cinedicate.com----------Listen to Aaron on his podcast, WSTR: Galactic Public AccessFollow Ali on X----------Support Cinedicate on PatreonThe Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community
  • 37. #137 - The Nightmare Before Christmas - Self-Discovery, Identity, and Isolation in Tim Burton's Timeless Classic

    01:10:23
    The Nightmare Before Christmas is a classic that has captured the hearts of viewers of all ages. For many, like Carla, it has been a part of their lives since childhood. With its release in 1993, this claymation masterpiece added a new dimension to the world of animation. The stop motion technique used in this film made it feel tactile and real, setting it apart from the traditional hand-drawn Disney movies. This unique presentation still holds up today, making it a timeless experience.With Halloween kicking off the festive season, followed by Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this joyful and celebratory time of the year. It serves as a bridge between Halloween and Christmas, making it an ideal movie choice throughout the months of September, October, November, and December. While it may have initially been associated more with Halloween, due to its aesthetic and its popular viewing during that time, it certainly invokes Christmas vibes as well. In fact, if you were to watch it before Christmas, it would still feel fitting. Other holiday horror stories, such as 'Gremlins', also exist, further solidifying the idea that 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' is a delightful blend of both Halloween and Christmas, and a perfect treat for the festive season.Read More on Cinedicate.com----------Listen to Carla on her podcast, WSTR: Galactic Public Access----------Support Cinedicate on PatreonThe Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community
  • 36. #136 - Thanksgiving (2023) - A Faux Trailer that Excites, but a Film that Falls Short

    01:12:04
    Thanksgiving, a once highly anticipated horror film, generated immense excitement through its captivating and gruesome trailer in Tarantino & Rodriguez's Grindhouse . However, as viewers flocked to the theaters, they were met with a lackluster film that failed to live up to the promises of its trailer. This podcast explores the disappointment and missed opportunities of Thanksgiving, delving into the reasons behind its downfall. From the lack of violence to the missed chance for campy hilarity, join us as we unravel the discrepancy between the highly anticipated trailer and the lackluster reality of Thanksgiving by Eli Roth.The trailer for "Thanksgiving" had a perfect balance of campiness and humor that had viewers excited for what was to come. Lines like "all will be carved" and the turkey puppet scene were both horrifying and funny at the same time. But unfortunately, the movie didn't fully embrace this campy route. Perhaps the director, in his serious directorial approach, may have felt that camp wasn't something he wanted to pursue anymore. But as a viewer, I can't help but feel that the film missed an opportunity to fully embrace its comedic potential.Read More on Cinedicate.com----------Listen to Brit and Katie on their podcast, The Grindhouse Girls.----------Support Cinedicate on PatreonThe Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community