From the opening scene, which has the Addams Family pouring a vat of hot oil on
a group of sugary-sweet Christmas Carolers, you just know that this one is going
to be good. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, from a script by Caroline Thompson and
Larry Wilson, the Addams Family marvelously brings to life the classic
characters that were originally created by cartoonist Charles Addams, and made
further famous by the 1960s TV show. The film begins with the Addams Family
patriarch Gomez (perfectly played by the late great Raul Julia) mourning over
the loss of Fester, his older brother. Fester vanished after he and Gomez had a
fight 25 years ago. Getting on with daily business, Gomez meets with Tully
Alford, the family attorney who is a little strapped for cash. When Gomez
refuses to invest in a get-rich scheme (which is designed mainly to get Tully
rich) because it is not the proper time to do so, an infuriated Tully comes up
with a new scheme.
Teaming up with Abigail and Gordon Craven, a mother and son con-artist team,
Tully's new plot involves having Gordon impersonate the long-lost Fester, who
has returned from the Bermuda Triangle. Once inside the Addams' household, it s
hould be easy pickings for Gordon (Christopher Lloyd), a hardened criminal who
is not above using violence, to find and plunder the secret vault, which
contains the Addams Family fortune. But once he gets to know the Addams Family,
along with their creepy and ooky ways, Gordon winds up being the one who is
scared out of his wits. Gomez, Morticia (well played by Angelica Huston) Lurch,
Pugsley, Wednesday (superbly played by a young Christina Ricci), Cousin It, and
Thing (Christopher Hart, who deserves a big hand for his performance as--well, a
hand)--the whole gang is all here, and richly brought to life by an outstanding
cast under Sonnenfeld's smooth direction. The film is such a vibrant celebration
of these gentle freaks and their unconventional ways that it is almost hard to
believe it was Sonnenfeld's first directorial effort. It's told with a great
visual style and plenty of humor that stands the test of time; this is a film
that I can watch over and over again and still thoroughly enjoy.
Unfortunately, the DVD is pretty tame, as far as special features are concerned.
The only thing it offers are the film's theatrical trailers, and that's it. No
commentaries or any other special features of any kind. However, the movie
itself is so much fun that it is worth owning, and since there are presently no
plans for a special edition, this DVD will be it for now. And so if you're
looking for a light-hearted romp through the dark side, invite The Addams Family
over for a Halloween treat that can be savored all year round. --SF
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