 Pauline Kael referred to the film as a " comedy classic " , while Jonathan Rosenbaum of Chicago Reader gave a highly positive review . Rosenbaum felt Beetlejuice carried originality and creativity that did not exist in other films . Vincent Canby of The New York Times called it " a farce for our time " and wished Keaton could have received more screen time . MaryAnn Johanson was impressed with the casting , production design and jokes . Desson Howe of the Washington Post felt Beetlejuice had " the perfect balance of <unk> , comedy and horror " . 
