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The Addams Family (1991)



The Addams Family (1991)




6/10




Starring
Anjelica Huston
Raúl Juliá
Christopher Lloyd


Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld


The Addams Family. I remember watching this movie over and over again when I was younger. I was thrilled by the reverse imagery of the Addams family and wondered what it would be like to live in their world—where torture is fun, and pain precedes laughter. Seeing it again, 23 years later, I can say this movie is a perfect translation of the cartoon series of the same name, but the storyline is dull and might put you to sleep if you’re not hyped on caffeine.

What I admired most were the visuals and cinematography. The way the cinematographer, costume designer, and director blended the dark feel of the characters with their lifestyle creates an atmosphere of a real home, not just a house of weirdoes. The film makes you want to give Barry Sonnenfeld (director) and Owen Roizman (cinematographer) a thumbs-up for their filming mastery.

So, what does The Addams Family have going for it?
Imagery. This movie will capture you with its visuals and concept, so much so that you might almost overlook the dullness of the story (almost). It was also a financial success in 1991.

The Addamses are a satirical inversion of a typical family—eccentric, wealthy, and delighting in the macabre. They don’t seem to care that people find them bizarre. In this theatrical movie, the Addams family is missing one of their own: Uncle Fester (Christopher Lloyd), Gomez’s (Raul Julia) brother. They’re taken by storm when their lawyer, who’s facing financial troubles, shows up with an imposter who looks, thinks, and behaves like Fester. But the question is, could it really be Fester, or is it a fraud?

That’s what you’ll need to watch to find out.

The acting in this movie is a treat for the eyes. I totally enjoyed the late Raul Julia’s portrayal of Gomez Addams—better than Tim Curry’s in Addams Family Reunion. Christina Ricci was also a better Wednesday than the one in Reunion. For me, the cast in this movie was on point.

The Addams Family was awarded Best Horror Film of the Year in 1991 by the Horror Hall of Fame. Anjelica Huston was nominated for the 1991 Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for her performance as Morticia Addams.

Here’s a fun fact: the pinball machine based on the film is the best-selling and highest-produced pinball machine of all time.

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