2.8 out of 5 stars (decent)
The Addams Family is another surprising example of an idea that shouldn’t work as well as it does. Based on the comic strips by Charles Addams and classic 60’s show, this animated revamp retains the morbid humor of its source (though toned down a bit for a family audience), and is a fun way to spend 90 minutes. The Addams Family compensates for its unfocused narrative with morbid humor and fun visuals, and should serve as a good entry to the brand for youngsters.
The creepy, kooky, and altogether spooky Addams Family lives in an abandoned mental asylum in New Jersey. Patriarch Gomez (Voiced by Oscar Issac) is preparing son Pugsley (voiced by Finn Wolfhard) for a sword fighting show so he will become a man in front of the entire Addams clan, while mother Morticia (Voiced by Charlize Theron) tends to daughter Wednesday (voiced by Chloe Grace Moretz), who seeks to explore the town of Assimilation below them. Assimilation is run by reality TV host Margaux Needler (Voiced by Allison Janney) who doesn’t take kindly to the Addams’ quirkiness. Now the Addams must mingle with their neighbors as they prepare for the remaining family members to arrive, with all matter of creepy hijinks ensuing.
The Addams Family is morbid family fun. Chloe Grace Moretz and Allison Janney stand out in their performances, while the rest of the cast does amiably. The animation is mid-level but visually pleasing, and the jokes mostly hit. I think adult fans will enjoy the humor while kids will dig the visuals and energy of this, and the “be yourself” message is appreciated. The Addams Family is a fun family film for the spooky season. Visit them. They won’t bite.
Rated PG for Macabre and Suggestive Humor, and Some Action