Like a spider setting up an elaborate cobweb in an abandoned house, The Addams Family Values is one of those classic Halloween movies that feels like it's existed as long as the holiday itself. The second film in the Addams Family series, the 1993 movie is far from second best with its dark humor and the kind of wonderfully chilling plot line that would put Gomez and Morticia in the mood for a romantic waltz.
During the film, the Addams family receives a visit from Debbie Jellinsky, a serial killer and black widow who marries men with the intention of killing them and stealing their fortunes. Debbie tricks Uncle Fester into falling in love with her and takes him hostage when she realizes he's more difficult to kill than she thought. At the same time, Morticia and Gomez have to deal with Wednesday and Pugsley being jealous of newborn baby Pubert, who they play deadly games with until Debbie suggests the kids head to camp for the summer.
From the murderous plot and the dark quotes to Gary and Becky being realistically irritating, the entire movie is a celebration of all things uncomfortable and eerie (in the best way possible). Also, considering this is a Halloween movie set during the summer with a heavy focus on Thanksgiving, it's pretty much the perfect film to watch year-round.
At the end of the day, as much as I love the original Addams Family film, there's nothing like throwing a bag of popcorn in the microwave and spending the evening reliving every moment of Wednesday and Pugsley's revolt against camp counselor Gary's distasteful Thanksgiving play. Read on to conjure up more memories of the classic Halloween (or Thanksgiving) film here, and keep the holiday momentum going by finding out if Disney's Halloweentown still lives up to the hype over 20 years later.
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General Information
Director: Dennis Steinmetz
Writer: George Tibbles
Cast: John Astin, Ted Cassidy, Jackie Coogan, Carolyn Jones, Henry Darrow, Jane Rose, Elvia Allman, Vito Scotti, Parley Baer, Patrick Campbell, Dean Sothern, Felix Silla, Lisa Loring, Ken Weatherwax, Jennifer Surprenant, Ken Marquis, Terry Miller, David Johns, Clinton Beyerle, George Ranito Jordan, and Suzanne Krarna
Composer: Vic Mizzy
Release Date: 10/30/1977
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Overview
While preparing for Halloween, Addams family members Gomez (John Astin), Pancho (Henry Darrow), Morticia (Carolyn Jones), Uncle Fester (Jackie Coogan), Grandmama (Jane Rose), Cousin Itt (Felix Silla), Wednesday Jr. (Jennifer Surprenant),
A slapdash remake of “Halloween with the Addams Family” from season one of the original series, this obscure television special offers no improvement over the episode that inspired it. Especially awful is the convoluted premise for Halloween with the New Addams Family, which leaves little room to acquaint/reacquaint the audience with characters new and old.
Pros
Cons
In the opening sequence, Gomez and Morticia reveal that two young children, Wednesday Jr. and Pugsley Jr., now belong to the Addams family. Superfluous additions to an
Additionally worth criticizing are the repetitive comedic devices employed in Halloween with the New Addams Family, which often border on tedious. At one point, for example, two bodyguards fasten Gomez and Morticia to a chair upon receiving orders to dispose of them. Believing himself a participant in an elaborate game,
On a minor note, the iconic theme music of Vic Mizzy is never present except in the form of a mediocre, if not thoroughly forgettable, remix that plays over the introductory credits. Also absent are the characteristic noises produced by Cousin Itt, the voice of whom lacks an extremely high pitch to complement his trademark gibberish.
Analysis
Concluding Comments
Halloween with the New Addams Family is a poorly made, groan-inducing effort that will likely appeal only to diehard enthusiasts of the characters created by Charles Addams. Casual fans, on the other hand, should avoid this offering at all costs.
Overall Quality: 3/10
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