ON THE SCREEN: ‘The Addams Family’ a witty treat for the whole family

Published 12:51 pm Monday, October 28, 2019

By Staff

Directed by: Conrad Vernon, Greg Tierman

Rated: PG

Runtime: 1:45

Review by: Livi Edmonson

The strange, spooky family we all know and love is back — but this time, they are animated. This animated rendition of the classic tells the Addams family story in a more contemporary manner. The whole family, Pugsley, Wednesday, Uncle Fester, Gomez and Morticia, are all still present and played by an all-star cast full of familiar voices. 

The plot follows the family as they prepare for the arrival of their other odd family members for Pugsley’s transition into manhood. However, a new, utopian neighborhood is being built right down the hill from the eerie mansion, under the guidance of a pesky television personality named Margaux Needler (voiced by Allison Janney) whose mission is to take the Addams family and their hideous house down. 

As mentioned earlier, the film is full of star-studded, easily recognizable voices including that of Charlize Theron and Oscar Isaac as Morticia and Gomez, Chloë Grace Moretz as Wednesday, Finn Wolfhard as Pugsley, Bette Midler as Grandmama, and even Snoop Dogg as Cousin Itt (which is just as funny as it sounds). It’s safe to say that the casting for this particular film was nothing short of fantastic and will please any audience member. Perhaps the biggest turnoff with the film has to be its dreaded Rotten Tomatoes score of 43%. Don’t take this score seriously, though, I very much enjoyed myself at this film.

If the filmmakers had to improve anything, it definitely would be the art behind the animations themselves. The characters were not attractive and were a little too creepy — even the “normal” characters like Margaux Needler and her daughter, Parker (played by Elsie Fisher). Perhaps the animation was a little off since the film’s parent studio, MGM, is not necessarily known for their animated projects like Disney, Universal and Pixar are. 

However, anyone who is a fan of “The Addams Family” in general will not be disappointed by this super cute, extremely witty rendition of the classic. Wednesday Addams is the scene-stealer, as expected, but if anything, go for Moretz’s performance that is iconic to all angsty, teenage girls everywhere — including me. I’ve been a fan of her character for years and had high expectations. 

“The Addams Family” is the perfect film to get you and your family into the Halloween spirit. Although the celebrity cast and iconic characters are ultimately what will draw audiences to the film, the contemporary, pop-culture references in the storyline are what will make you stay. From unicorn hair clips, to smartphones, to even Snoop Dogg, “The Addams Family” is fully equipped to make you laugh until you cry, both kids and adults. If you are not a fan of the original Addams Family franchises, I would strongly recommend not attending this film, since the typical witty, dark humor is all you are going to get. But, if you do enjoy these iconic characters and the humor they provide then by all means, go to this film with low expectations and you will end up being more than happy with a charming result. I give it a 7 out of 10.  

Did I already say Wednesday was the greatest part?