Addams Family (2019)

At their best the Addams are a subversive critique of modern society by putting forward all that we consider "ooky" and presenting it so that we can see its value making us ask ourselves where we've gone wrong in shunning the different and embracing polite conformity. We haven't seen the creepy and kooky family on the big screen in a generation. Does it manage to continue the tradition this family has maintained for decades?

Sort of. Yes, the plot of this animated take on The Addams Family features the usual twisting of norms which juxtaposes a celebration of uniqueness as wholesome and vilifies conformity. But it only goes so far, perhaps playing it a bit safe making the "mainstream" society so cartoonishly bad that we perhaps don't ever see ourselves in it. I've always felt for The Addams Family's shtick to work it needed to make us slightly uncomfortable and this cartoon take is a bit too family friendly. There are extremely subtle references to S&M, anarchy, and class upheaval but they are buried pretty deep. Sure previous iterations were also subtle in this regard hiding its more radical messages in the Gothic comedy pastiche, but the tendencies were still prevalent. Success here comes from the proper balance of mainstreaming something that undermines and criticizes the mainstream. I found this version to be a bit too forgiving overall.

But does it just work as light entertainment? Well, the film just isn't overly funny, which is remarkable looking at this talented cast. It's plot is only mildly entertaining. It's not as much outright fun as one would want. It's not bad just doesn't reach the level of entertainment I had hoped for.

The Addams Family
Starring: Charlize Theron, Oscar Isaac, Chloe Grace Moritz, Finn Wolfhard, Nick Kroll, Bette Midler, Alison Janney, Snoop Dog, Elsie Fisher, Martin Short, Catherine O'Hara
Directors: Conrad Vernon, Greg Tiernan
Writers: Matt Lieberman, Pamela Pettler