"The Addams Family" (1991)

 

After the horror show that was 2020, I feel that we should start the New Year) with something lighthearted and fun.  And you can't get any more fun while remaining in the "horror" genre than with that ooky, kooky, spooky family... The Addams Family!

Fester Addams has been missing for 25 years after a falling out with his brother Gomez.  During their annual seance to try and contact Fester, a mysterious figure arrives at the door... a figure who claims to be the long lost brother.

But is he?  And what are his intentions towards the family... and their vast wealth?

I have been a fan of The Addams Family since I was a kids and used to watch the old black and white TV series.  When I heard in 1991 that the "fam" was coming to the big screen, I was excited- especially when I heard that Angelica Huston, and Christopher Lloyd were going to be in it.  I hadn't heard much about Raul Julia at the time, but when I saw him in stills showing him as Gomez, I was impressed, and eager to see what he could do with the role.

The story is simple and even a little cartoon- which is very fitting for a fairly cartoony set of characters.  Despite that cartoonish element, the plot gives a nice bit of depth to the characters, and is more than enough to hold the antics, plot twists, and whimsy.  It was paced nicely as well- with a wonderful flow to it that carried you along willingly and at times eagerly.  There is never a dull moment in it- each scene, while not necessarily laugh filled, served to add texture to the world of the Addams's, and set up what's to come later.  All in all- a pretty tightly written story.

I loved the characters.  While they are obvious parodies of gothic characters- and satirical symbols of "normal" people, this doesn't detract from their relatability, or likability.  In fact, it enhances those traits.  You essentially cheer for them from the start of their darkly funny antics.  The underlying theme of family bonds is the glue that holds the characters together, and pulls into their lives.

All the performers beautifully brought these characters to life.  I was especially impressed by Raul Julia as Gomez, and Christina Ricci as Wednesday.  This was Ricci's third movie, and it helped to cement her as a future star- with good cause.  I don't know a single person who DOESN'T think of this movie first when it comes to her.  She brought such a seriously humorous tone to the character that set the bar for future representations of her.  Ricci brought charm, wit, and "cuteness" to the role that was brilliant.

Raul Julia did the same for Gomez.  He created a beautifully suave, sophisticated aura around the character.  Julia was so endearing and masterful in the role, that he can be forgiven for not being as... "ugly" as the original cartoon version.  His interactions with Huston's Morticia and Lloyd's Fester are marvels to watch and enjoy.  He WAS Gomez.

Casting Angelica Huston as Morticia was a stroke of genius.  She as the beautiful, angular face that suits the character the height, the voice, and that special "mysteriously impish" look in her eyes at times.  Just as Raul Julia owned the role of Gomez, Huston took the role, and made it truly hers.

As for Christopher Lloyd in the role of Fester Addams?  Well, let's just say that he was a riot.  He has shown that he's a master comic actor, who's able to bring a sense of humanity and believability to his roles.  Fester was the perfect role to allow him to chew the scenery a bit, and let loose the more mad cap side of himself.

Due to the restricting nature of his costume, he had to rely on his voice and facial expressions to portray the character- and he did it wonderfully.  Watching his facial reactions to events was amazing.  Rubber faced Jim Carrey could take lesson from Christopher Lloyd in this department in my opinion.

Also of note was Jim Workman as Pugsley.  This was his first film, and I think he did a great job in the role.  He brought a wonderful sort of naivete and murderous innocence to the character that was a great balance to Ricci's Wednesday.

Of course, the performances would've meant nothing if the characters didn't look right.  And boy, did they look right.  Other than Gomez being handsome, the remaining characters absolutely had that lovely gothic and slightly "off" look and feel of the original versions.  The costumes were gorgeous recreations of their comic counterparts... which only served to make Julia's Gomez even more handsome in fact.

Is "The Addams Family" worth watching?  Absolutely!  Is it worth owning?  Absolutely!  Is it worth re-watching?  Absolutely!  And that makes it a "Good"!