Everybody’s favorite creepy, kooky and classy goth family is back in “Addams Family Values,” the sequel to the 1991 live action “Addams Family“ by Barry Sonnenfeld. And considering that the sequel is penned by none other than Paul Rudnick, the brains behind “In & Out“; I can guarantee that this movie—like the former—is also full of whimsical moments and is a campy classic in its own right.
“Addams Family Values” starts off on a happy note: the Addams welcome the newest addition to their family, Baby Pubert Addams. However, little Pubert’s arrival signals a sibling rivalry and soon enough, jealousy rears its ugly monstrous head. This causes young Wednesday and Pugsley to resort to homicidal efforts; which include beheading, disfiguring, and even attempting to maim their new sibling—literally! Morticia and Gomez immediately seek outside help and employ an enigmatic nanny to take stock of the messy situation. However, this only results in their problems doubling in size.
Christina Ricci in a scene from “Addams Family Values.” Photo: Paramount Pictures, 1993.
“Addams Family Values”: Dialing Comedy and Satire to Eleven
If you thought that the 1991 adaptation was darkly comedic in nature, then you’ve seen nothing yet. The dark humor has increased tenfold in nature in the sequel, and screenwriter Rudnick employs a no-holds-barred approach. Satirical digs and shade aplenty, “Addams Family Values” pokes fun at everyone and everything that was trending in the ’90s; including Amy Fisher’s crime spree, the allegations against Michael Jackson, and even the Pilgrims who pillaged and colonized indigenous land. And upon rewatching this gem, I still can’t believe my parents let me watch it as a kid.
Some of the double entendre, one-liners, and bizarre interactions among the characters also further raise questions about the Addams’ mysterious family background. In fact, they could even be used as basis of a spin-off for each of the characters in the future. Moreover, it left me pondering over whether Gomez was actually a serial killer at some point in his life; and whether Gomez and Fester’s mum was actually the first pinup model for vintage Playboy.
Wonderful Performances of the Cast Elevate This Sequel
As usual, the performances are wonderful; with Raul Julia leading the pack with his extremely over-the-top and highly energetic portrayal of Gomez Addams. Considering Julia’s deteriorating health due to cancer during filming, the energy he displayed here is a feat in itself. Whether it is his hysterical sobbing and wailing when he finds out that his newborn son might turn out to be ‘normal’ or his spicy footwork during the tango scene, Julia hits it out of the park as this iconic character yet again.
On the other hand, Angelica Huston makes the loving and ever-supportive Morticia her own, delivering a nuanced performance here. This time, Huston showcases her comedic chops, while sharing impeccable chemistry with her co-star.
Add to the performances Christina Ricci’s bright and outspoken Wednesday; David Krumholtz’s asthmatic nerd Joel; and Jimmy Workman’s Pugsley who just goes with the flow, and you have a riot. All chew the scenery up in the subplot where their characters are sent off to a summer camp…and eventually spark a revolution. Boy, do I love a movie with unforced sociopolitical commentary in it!
A scene from “Addams Family Values.” Photo: Paramount Pictures, 1993.
Of the Film’s Other Notable Merits
Apart from the cast mentioned above; Peter MacNicol and Christina Baranski turn in convincing performances as the cloying and bordering on racist camp counselors, Gary and Becky respectively. Joan Cusack as Debbie the gold-digging nanny threatens to outperform Raul Julia in terms of hamming it up and she is a treat to watch in this antagonistic role. Christopher Lloyd as Uncle Fester is in top form as well. The movie also features a hilarious cameo by known faces. These include Nathan Lane (who went on to play Gomez in the stage musical adaptation) as an exasperated police officer; Sonnenfeld himself as Joel Glicker’s father; and a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it role by pre-Monk Tony Shalhoub.
If you couldn’t get enough of the Addams family in the 1991 live action outing, then I highly recommend following it up with the sequel this Halloween.
