Movie Review: The Addams Family (2019) 10/15/19

In their third foray (after Igor and Sherlock Gnomes) into feature length animation, MGM decided to take on the classic Addams Family comic utilizing an all star cast, the latest technology, and all the throwbacks, references, and homages to previous material that can be fit into the 87 minute run time.   I joined the nearly packed theater intrigued to see the latest adventure of The Addams Family.

The overall look, feel, and tone of The Addams Family (2019) rings perfect.  The voice casting and performances are spot on. Nothing against Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, and Chloe  Grace Moretz, Conrad Vernon’s Lurch is a personal fave. The soundtrack is bumpin’ and will have you bobbing in your seat with a smile on your face.  All told, there’s a lot that works for this film.

That’s why it’s disappointing that The Addams Family (2019) is one of those films that despite all efforts falls flat and comes off as “meh” at best.

As an origin story, the film offers a few delights.  The messaging is important, timely, and relevant, but heavy handed to the point of being “preachy.”  The overall plot is thin and the comedy even more so. I was at least halfway through the film before I had anything approaching a genuine laugh and I’m sure I could count on one hand and have fingers left the truly funny moments in the entire film.  Most of the joy for me came from little throwbacks and meta references. Snoop Dogg rolling up as It? Pure delight right down to the pimp cane.

All told, the biggest fault in the film is the production decided to play it safe and watered down everything that’s made the Addams Family the Addams Family since 1938.  The creepy and the kooky let alone the mysterious, spooky, and ooky just aren’t there. Being a family film the movie is geared toward kids (expected), but even they (and the theater was packed with kids) just weren’t into it.  A tepid response at best and the theater emptied out as soon as the credits rolled, Thing leading you in a sing-along didn’t slow the exodus.

Enough butts have filled the seat for MGM to already green light a sequel, let’s hope the nail down a better, more entertaining story for that one.  As for The Addams Family (2019) if you don’t have to see it in the theater, do yourself and your pocketbook a favor and wait to watch it at home (Netflix, Redbox, streaming).  It’s and overly generous 5 from me.

Movie Review : Joker

First I want to apologize for the long break in reviews.  Between the recent bag- over- the-head punch in the face RL has dealt me and the sheer lack of anything remotely peaking my interest there hasn’t been any drive/desire to head to the theater.  So, thank you for bearing with me and still showing an interest in my little review site.  Anywho, all that changed with DC’s much anticipated release of Joker.

Once again, I find myself of two minds on this one.

On the one hand, yes, I see were all the rave reviews are coming from.

Joaquin Phoenix delivers a tour-de-force performance that’s stunning, engaging, and mesmerizing.  His Arthur Fleck much like the film itself is dark, intense, tragic, relatable, challenging, thought provoking, and at times uncomfortable.   

Technically Joker is a cinematic masterpiece.  Stunning cinematography, terrific direction, well-written standalone origin story, and the most gritty, realistic created Gotham to date.

Seems like a slam dunk winner...but not so fast…

While Joker certainly has a lot going for it, I find the rave reviews better than what the film actually merits.  

Despite the solid writing, amazing acting, etc. Joker is actually quite, dare I say?  Yes. Boring.  

The pacing is slow, damn slow well into the final act and the story drags.  I was restless and if I’d remembered to wear my watch, I would’ve been checking it, often.  The other audience members seemed to be feeling that way as well, a couple of people walked out halfway through, not to return, while others contented themselves with just talking quietly among themselves about other things.   Normally, that would’ve bothered me, not this time. Even the punctuated moments of violence (which there are surprisingly few given the subject matter) failed to inject any real energy or excitement to the viewing experience. Overall there’s a feeling of generic soullessness about Joker that left me disappointed and wishing I could stay up after watching Lego Batman as a palate cleanser.

I’m just going to throw it out there, my take may well be a gender thing.  Talking with male coworkers that have seen the movie, they unanimously LOVE it, can’t say enough about how great it is, but readily admit that the wives and daughters walked away feeling the same way I did.  I’m curious to see if that’s the case, so ladies and gentlemen if you see this one, be sure to leave a comment letting me know.

As previously mentioned, I’m split on this one along the lines Manchester by the Sea or Dunkirk. On the one hand, I get it and can give Joker an 8 for all the things that work, especially the performance by Joaquin Phoenix, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s an Oscar nod in his future.  And if they produce another film with him, I’m game to see it. On the other hand, meh. I was bored, disappointed and certainly don’t feel a need to see Joker again let alone add it to my movie collection.  A 5 at best.  

In short, you take your chances with this one.  Sorry I can’t be more definitive than that.