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.
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