Did we need an animated version of The Addams Family? No. Will anything ever top the perfection that is Addams Family Values? Also no. But people led me to believe that this reboot was the worst movie of all time… and it really isn’t.
The tiny human movie-goers of today are introduced (possibly for the first time) to everyone’s favourite creepy and kooky family in this animated adaptation. Along with the zany antics that are no doubt about to ensue, the Addams Family are given an equally oddball story line to match. Amongst several smaller subplots, the movie revolves around a selfish, money-grabbing home-makeover TV show host (Allison Janney), who is adamant that she will transform the Addams’ scary-looking gothic house so as not to put off potential buyers for the new, candy floss coloured houses she has built nearby.
There has been a lot of criticism revolving around this movie not representing the main family themselves well enough. But if you don’t think this captures the Addams’ properly, I don’t think you’ve seen Addams Family Values as many times as I have… These writers and directors actually do a really good job here, and the voice actors were far better than I ever imagined they’d be. Despite many others not feeling the same way, I absolutely understand why it’s an animated movie and not a live action one; no one will ever outdo Anjelica Huston and Raul Julia. But Charlize Theron and Oscar Isaac are the only two casting options that would make this work even half as well as it does, so kudos to them for giving it their all.
In the way of plot, there’s not much in the way of a substantial, pacy story line. However, the all-star cast and the humour makes up for the loose narrative for the most part. A lot of the jokes, gags and puns in this are actually really funny, and Nick Kroll especially does really well at garnering a few laughs even though Uncle Fester has very little to do. All of this left me feeling unsure of where all the hatred towards this movie comes from, as it really is superbly entertaining.
Technically, some of the animation in the brighter scenes is a little clunky and block-y, and sadly Allison Janney’s brilliant performance is undermined by poor shadowing and too many block pastels. Despite this, the darker stuff (particularly the Addams’ house) is great, so it’s not a complete failure in the animation department.
Look, I’m not going to – and never will – say that this is better than either of the nineties live action versions of this story. But I’m willing to defend this movie’s honour with my very life.
Okay, that’s a bit dramatic. But it’s super duper fun, and thoroughly entertaining the whole way through, for adults and children alike.
The Addams Family is available to stream on Netflix UK.
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