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Halloween Day by Day: "The Addams Family" (1991)


If there's a family that screams Halloween, it's the Addams Family...

After being missing for 25 years, Fester Addams finally returns home.  His brother Gomez is ecstatic that his family is whole again.

But Fester is hiding a secret- and things are not what they seem...

I have been a fan of the Addams Family since I was a kid (I know- I'm old.  Deal with it.).  When I heard that they were doing a movie featuring this spooky family back in 1991, I was excited.

 And I wasn't disappointed.

This is one of the smartest horror comedies I have ever seen.  There's an actual story that allows for both a comedic and an emotional depth to it.  It was simply a fun tale about the absurd that was presented in such a straight forward, matter of fact manner.  Loved it.

The characters were well crafted and presented as well.  Each of them got a bit of the spotlight to get some development throughout the story.  Their interactions, and the chemistry between all them was just a thrill to experience.  A lot of people talk about the "love" between The Joker and Harley Quinn... personally, I want an undying love like Gomez and Morticia.  The passion and the playfulness between them was great.

A bit part of what made the characters work was the performers.  Raul Julia was absolutely perfect as Gomez- especially paired with Anjelica Huston's Morticia.  Just a pleasure to watch their scenes.  Casting Christopher Lloyd as Fester was a master stroke of genius.  He looked great in the make-up, and brought a real sense of almost manic energy to the role.  Special credit to Christina Ricci as Wednesday.  She stole pretty much every scene she was in, and really added to the hijinks taking place.  Just a stellar cast through and through.

When I think of my favorite horror comedies, 1991's "The Addams Family" ranks right near the top.  I'm putting it in "The Good".
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