'Addams Family Values'—A Movie Review

They’re creepy and their kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re all together ooky. Any guesses? That’s right, they’re the Addams Family!

Addams Family Values welcomes a new member to the family. Jealous of their new sibling, Wednesday and Pugsley are sent away to summer camp while Uncle Fester is seduced by the new nanny, Debbie, who has other dark intentions in mind.

Addams Family Values is one of my favorites films for my family to gather around the TV. It is a hilarious film that follows the tales of a gothic family who have appeared on television since the 60s. Filled with funny comedic moments and great acting, Addams Family Values is a fun story for the whole family to enjoy.

Raul Julia, Angelica Huston, Christopher Lloyd, Carol Kane, Christina Ricci, and Jimmy Workman are terrific as the members of the family. They absorb their character’s dark quirks and mannerisms.

Julia especially is outstanding as he masterfully preaches about the problems of the world. He chants an excellent delivery in pure diction and character. I was sad to find out about his passing only a couple of years after the release of this movie. Raul Julia will forever leave behind a legacy as Gomez Addams.

Joan Cusack is splendid as the psychopath Debbie Jellinsky. This is one of Cusack’s best roles! She easily steals the show endlessly trying to murder Fester for his money but fails. Her reactions whether bug-eyed, angry, or her sassy personality were outstanding! Cusack excels at comedy, drama, and even a sinister evil laugh.

Addams Family Values is filled with a number of spectacular performances. Expect a couple of noteworthy cameos. David Krumholts (Joel) instantly falls in love with Wednesday. Their romantic subplot made me smile, especially their interactions. It adds an endearing levity to the film. Peter MacNicol and Christine Baranski were fabulous as the energetic and irritating camp counselors. And Mercedes McNab’s performance as the irritating bully, Amanda, is great.

I loved Wednesday and Pugsley being forced to attend a summer camp where they have to sing, swim, and participate in a play about the first Thanksgiving. The play is one of the best, and easily funniest parts of the movie! Ricci steals the show in her dark monologues, playful comebacks, and her performance as Pocahontas.

Addams Family Values excels with the power of love. Gomez and Morticia’s relationship is beautiful. No matter what, I always smile at the way they tenderly speak to each other and vow to always protect one another. The scene where they dance the tango is passionate.

It doesn’t matter if you are different. What matters is that you are happy with who you are. I love this message. Eventually, we will find love. But first, we have to understand and love ourselves. You always come first.

Addams Family Values has fun scenes and it is easily quotable. Honestly, I found this film more enjoyable than the first film that was released two years prior. The story is expanded and characters are given more of a chance to expand their personalities into a new story.

The script is filled with dark humor. That material may not meet everyone’s eyes but I think the film succeeded in its delivery whether it was a visual pun or a clever delivery. I always get a kick out of Morticia reading The Cat in the Hat to her baby.

Addams Family Values is enjoyable from beginning to end. Don’t tell me that you don’t have the urge to snap your fingers to the beat of the creative theme song! Get together with your family and have a blast watching this movie!