X
- 1991
- PG-13
- Paramount Pictures
- 1 h 39 m
- 1991
- PG-13
- Paramount Pictures
- 1 h 39 m
Summary Con artists plan to fleece an eccentric family using an accomplice who claims to be their long-lost uncle.
Directed By: Barry Sonnenfeld
Written By: Charles Addams, Caroline Thompson, Larry Wilson
- 1991
- PG-13
- Paramount Pictures
- 1 h 39 m
- 1991
- PG-13
- Paramount Pictures
- 1 h 39 m
The Addams Family
57
7.3
Where to Watch
Summary Con artists plan to fleece an eccentric family using an accomplice who claims to be their long-lost uncle.
Directed By: Barry Sonnenfeld
Written By: Charles Addams, Caroline Thompson, Larry Wilson
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 19 Critic Reviews
57
42% Positive
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
53% Mixed
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
5% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 19 Critic Reviews
57
42% Positive
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
53% Mixed
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
5% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
A laugh-in-the-dark funhouse ride that provides nearly two hours of slightly sinister sight gags and Gothic giggles, is creepy, kooky, even altogether ooky enough to satisfy any Addams addict.
The story is on the weak side, and many of the jokes are just a bit flat. And yet there are enough cute bits and special-effects surprises that it will probably be worth people's while, especially if they intended to see the movie in the first place. [22 Nov 1991, p.C1]
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 90 User Ratings
7.3
77% Positive
69 Ratings
69 Ratings
21% Mixed
19 Ratings
19 Ratings
2% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 90 User Ratings
7.3
77% Positive
69 Ratings
69 Ratings
21% Mixed
19 Ratings
19 Ratings
2% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
A milestone in black humor.
Finally a movie with the Addams Family! I have always been a fan of this family. I saw some episodes of the original series, even though I never saw it all, nor am I old enough to have seen it on TV. They are adorable in their way of being out of the ordinary. And the film is very true to its essence. I think the film will please adults and young people a little. By its nature, I believe it is not suitable for children, but young people over 12 years old will perfectly adhere to the film. The script is good and gives the Addams all the space to show everything they are and delight us with their unusual and Gothic style.
The film is loaded with well-known actors and they all did a good job thanks to Barry Sonnenfeld's excellent direction. Raul Julia and Angelica Huston shone in the role of Gomez and Morticia, and Christopher Lloyd proved to be great in the role of the hysterical and strange Fester Addams. Dan Hedaya was a pleasant presence and knew how to make a good villain, and it was nice to see Carol Kane. But it is undoubtedly Christina Ricci that stands out, as the sadistic Wednesday Addams.
Excellent scenarios and tetrical costumes make up a visually striking film, full of good points and that helps make the Addams a milestone in black humor.
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An excellent adaptation of Charles Addams fantastic comic, The Addams Family is in my opinion on the same level as Die Hard as one of the greatest Christmas movies ever made.
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How do you turn a collection of New Yorker cartoons into a feature-length movie? And avoid the one-joke nature of the early-1960s television series that first tried to put it into dramatic form? The answer to both questions: you can't. [22 Nov 1991, p.3]
The film's aimlessness and repetitiveness eventually become draining. And its small touches often work better than its more elaborate ones, like an extended party sequence that seems awkward and largely unnecessary.
The humour is based entirely on inversion which worked in your cartoons, and even on the TV show, but it's not enough to hold up a movie, even with the helping hand provided by a disembodied hand. [22 Nov 1991]
Barry Sonnenfeld setting a cracking pace in his directorial debut, but suggesting that Tim Burton might have given the film the edge it lacks. Ooky the Addamses may be, subversive they ain't; it plays like a paean to the nuclear family.
Ultimately, the film's self-censoring will to sweetness and innocence is even more fatal than the flimsiness of the plot. [22 Nov 1991, p.33]
I love this movie. Casting was spot on and it's funny. Raul Julia played Gomez better than anyone else ever has.
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Well, I finally managed to write a review on this, and I have to say, I like this a lot. I do think Values is marginally better, but both are solid entertainment, two good examples of films, driven by character not plot(though there was a very good one in both films). Like Values, the rating is too low, why? My only criticism, is that I don't like the rap song over the end credits at all. Apart from that, it had spirited direction, great incidental music, great performances, and a gem of a black humour filled script.
The plot is simple but grabs the attention of adults, as young children might not understand it. The script is witty, dark and very funny, something that Reunion forgot to add to the proceedings. Barry Sonnenfield directs with spirit and enthusiasm, but it's the performances that I was most impressed with.
Raul Julia and Angelica Huston were perfect as Gomez and Morticia, and I was sure that Tim Curry and Daryl Hannah would have been, had they a half-decent script and director to work with.(alas!) Christopher Lloyd was great fun as Fester, but the performance of Christina Ricci steals the film. Everyone else deserves a mention.
In conclusion, a well-done and inventive film, with a 9/10 from me! Bethany Cox
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Loved it. Actors are perfect, atmosphere was great and the story was fun and engaging.
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When a man claiming to be Gomez Addams' missing brother Fester arrives at the Addams' home, the family is thrilled. But is he actually who he claims to be?
Based on the cartoon and 60’s TV show The Addams Family is a decent enough movie full of the type of dark humour you’d expect, but possibly due to it’s troubled development, it’s never quite able to completely fulfil it’s potential.
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an entertaining movie for the masses, so I dont like it. The plot is simple, the humour also. Yes, the costumes and make up are interesting.
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Production Company
Orion Pictures,
Paramount Pictures,
Scott Rudin Productions
Release Date Nov 22, 1991
Duration 1 h 39 m
Rating PG-13
Tagline It's not the same old Thing.
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 1 Nomination
Golden Globes, USA
• 1 Nomination
Fangoria Chainsaw Awards
• 1 Win & 4 Nominations
