Review: The Addams Family

They’re creepy, kooky and spooky, but is that enough to draw a new generation of fans? After the success of Hotel Transylvania and its sequels, one might ask what took them so long to make this film. One thing is for sure, the characters are still beloved and have a timeless quality.

The film begins with a young Gomez (voiced by Oscar Isaac) and Morticia (voiced by Charlize Theron) as they come together with family to wed. Unfortunately, their weird ways and even weirder family scare the local residents to the point where they create a mob with pitchforks and torches to ruin the special occasion. Looking for someplace safe to call home, they come across an old abandoned insane asylum that feels like home.

Fast forward a decade or so and we come across the family as we know it. With the droll and morose Wednesday (voiced by Chloe Grace Moretz) and the explosive Pugsley (voiced by Finn Wolfhard) now completing the family dynamic. Together the family works towards Pugsley’s initiation into monster manhood and their beloved dark and dreary days.

Unbeknownst to them though, right down the valley is a new township development made by a home and garden type TV host looking to sell conformity. Most of the Addams family is slightly off-put by the bright colors and ideals, all except Wednesday though. A young girl looking to rebel a bit and possibly bring some brightness into her dark world. Will this new town and these new people accept them or will they cry “monster” once again?

I found this film to be slow to start, but by halfway through, it won me over. I love the Addams Family and everything about their world. And while the younger generation may not know of the Addams clan, I think parents and the like will introduce them wholeheartedly. Yes, they are dark and morose characters, but they have their own light that shines through. So don’t be surprised if their grim expressions put a smile on your face.

Grade: B
Running time: 1h 27m
MPAA Rating: PG