Addams Family Values

Starring: Anjelica Houston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, Joan Cusack, Christina Ricci, Carol Kane
Written by: Charles Addams, Paul Rudnick
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
Year: 1993

Rating: * * * 1/2   Stars       +       (Fan Bonus -  )  Total: * * * 1/2

Our favorite gothic horror family returns in this sequel that trumps their first film.

The first film was too fettered in establishing characters, setting, and translating themes from the old television show and books to the big screen. Certainly, this gave the Addams Family movie a forced feel. Addams Family Values is a completely original concept and story taking the established characters into newer comedic waters.

The Addams Family cast all return, except for Judith Malina, who's better replaced by Carol Kane as Grandma. The Addams have a new edition to their family, a baby named Pubert. Of course, this doesn't sit well with Wednesday and Pugsley, and attempt to kill him several times. Enter Joan Cusack as Debbie, the Nanny. Not only does she care for Pubert, she becomes the love interest of Fester (Christopher Lloyd). However Debbie isn't what she seems. She is known as the Black Widow, a woman who marries rich men and murders them on their wedding night. Now she has set her sights on Fester.

The films funniest moments are when Pugsley and Wednesday are sent to a summer camp for privileged kids. The two gothic siblings suddenly find themselves surrounded by obnoxious brats and overly cheerful camp councilors.  The worst of them is Amanda, who is in stark contrast to Wednesday. She's blonde, pretty, popular, and a pure brat. Audiences haven't hated a young girl this much since Veruca Salt insisted on having an Oompa-Loompa now! But it isn't until they are placed into the harmony hut, forced to watch an assortment of Disney films and reruns of the Brady Bunch that Wednesday hatches a diabolical plan to assemble the camps misfits into overthrowing the camp.

Debbie of course marries Fester, but to her dismay seems unable to kill him. Thinking she wouldn't have to go through consummating the marriage, she discovers that Fester is a virgin. However, he explains he's prepared to go through with it. He's been instructed well, including "no giggling", and "no hand puppets." 

If she can't kill him, she'll change him, and now Fester wears toupees and turtleneck sweaters. She also forbids him from associating with his family ever again. 

Joan Cusack's quirky sensibilities make her a perfect choice in casting for the psychotic Debbie. Anjelica Houston and Raul Julia are wonderful as Morticia and Gomez, losing no steam or enthusiasm in reprising their roles. Carol Kane is hilarious as the Grandma, giving a more involved role than Judith had in the first film.

Despite being a completely new story, the characters are still as solid as ever. Definitely one of those rare sequels that improve on an already fine original.

SEE THE TRAILER: Addams Family Values