The Addam’s Family
review by Bobby Blakey
There have been a lot of classic TV series that have made their way onto the big screen, but few have the content to work in both live action and animation. After two live action theatrical releases in 1991 and 1993 as well as some straight to video releases in 1998 the popular series The Adams Family is returning to the big screen with a new animated feature. Can this film capture the essence of the original comic it’s based on or will it be to kooky for the fans?
The Adams Family follows The Addams family whose lives begin to unravel when they face-off against a crafty reality-TV host while also preparing for their extended family to arrive for a major celebration, Addams-style. Morticia, devilishly devoted to her husband and children, is the pale glue that holds her clan together. Gomez, debonair, sinister and passionately in love with his wife, is enthusiastic about whatever dreadful scheme he’s cooked up. Wednesday is a brilliant and sinister teenage girl with long braids and deadpan wit. Pugsley, a menacing 10-year-old on over-drive, enjoys getting into any kind of dreadful mischief he can find. Mad Uncle Fester is good-natured, merry and likes to create mayhem any way he can. Grandmama is smitten with her grandchildren who enjoy her cookies shaped like bats and skulls. Margaux Needler, the reality TV makeover queen, is consumed with a desire for absolute suburban, pastel perfection.
I love this latest entry into The Addam’s Family franchise draws more inspiration from the original comics bringing to life Charles Addams original visions to life. Whether you have seen the original comics or just a fan of the live action versions this film captures all of it to perfection. This is a universe that screams to be animated and not only offers up all the tropes you want from the kooky family, but some new fun as well. I loved the animation and overall look of everything here. Outside of capturing the original look of it
the comic it still brings its own thing to the mix making it stand out and memorable.
The film features a great voice cast including Oscar Isaac as Gomez Addams, Charlize Theron as Morticia Addams, Chloë Grace Moretz as Wednesday Addams, Finn Wolfhard as Pugsley Addams, Nick Kroll as Fester Addams, Bette Midler as Granny. Elsie Fisher as Parker Needler, and Allison Janney as Margaux Needler. Everyone did an excellent job with their characters bringing something fresh to the film while still feeling like the characters we all know and love. I was worried from the trailer that it was going to be a taken them on the road thing for a fish out of water situation, but thankfully that isn’t the case. Yes there are elements of that here, but it still keeps the majority of the film right there at the Addam’s estate where all the fun is to be had. Everyone gets plenty of time to shine with the exception of Cousin It who shows up a bit later in the film but still has some fun moments.
I hope this is just the beginning of more from this franchise as there are so many fun directions they could go with this kooky spooky family and I for one want to see more.
This release not only the film, but also bonus content including deleted/extended scenes, music videos, features and more. Join the altogether kooky family with The Addams Family available now on digital and then on Blu-ray and DVD on January 21st from Universal Home Entertainment.