Product: The Addams Family [VHS] (1991)
Rating: 5.0
A ghoulish good time...
My first attempt at watching this movie failed. I actually turned it off; I was so bored. Sadly, this was largely due to the fact that I never watched the show, ever, and so I wasn't really in the mood and didn't know what I was in for. After watching the wildly entertaining `Addams Family Values', I decided to check this one out a second time. It flowed much easier for me, to where I could actually make it through the entire film, and I found myself rather liking what I was seeing. I've seen this one (as well as `Values', which has grown on me even more) a few times now, and I must admit that both films hold up ridiculously well, largely thanks to the incredible cast. From Anjelica Huston to Christina Ricci, this film glows thanks to their darkly satirical performances. Some have noted that the plot is dumb, but I'd say less dumb and more predictable (it just seems lazy), but the dumbness is something to be expected and even relished in a film like this because the vibe soaks in with the atmosphere to present a curiously `special' take on something that is familiar. I'm just glad that Tim Burton didn't direct this one too, although the early 90's was his heyday and so maybe he would have done something special with this. Alas, `The Addams Family' is a total joy, and one that I recommend wholeheartedly. Give it a try, maybe two or three, but once it sinks in it sinks it for good.